Portale di Ateneo - En.Unibs.it

I - Introduction to biomaterials
Definition of medical device, biomedical material and biomaterial. Examples of biomaterials. Biomaterial attributes and biocompatibility. The evolution of the biomaterials field. Sterilizability of biomaterials. Sterilization by steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide and radiations (gamma radiation, electron beams).

II - Polymeric biomaterials
a) Fundamentals of polymeric materials
Molecular structure of polymeric materials. Molar mass versus properties. Examples of copolymers and polymer blends employed as biomaterials. Typical additives used in polymeric biomaterials. Amorphous versus semicrystalline polymeric materials. Thermoset and elastomeric materials.

b) PVC and other commodities in medical devices
General characteristics of PVC. PVC formulation versus properties. PVC medical device applications. General characteristics of polyethylene. UHMWPE: processing methods, properties and applications. Medical applications of polyethylene. General characteristics and typical medical applications of polypropylene. General characteristics and medical uses of styrenics.

c) Silicones in medical devices
General structure and nomenclature of silicones. Synthesis of linear silicones. Silicone rubbers cross-linked by condensation and addition reactions. Nomenclature and characterisitics of RTV, HCR and LSR silicone rubbers. Properties of medical grade silicone rubbers. Medical uses of silicones.

d) Polyurethanes in medical devices
Main classes of polyurethanes. Synthesis, structure and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane rubbers (TPUs). Medical applications of polyurethanes.

e) Fluoropolymers in medical devices
Main fluorinated polymers. Properties of PTFE. Production and properties of expanded PTFE. Properties of FEP and PVDF. Biomedical applications of fluoropolymers.

f) Bioerodible polymers in medical devices
Overview of the main bioerodible polymers in clinical use. Polyglycolide (PGA) synthesis and properties. PLA and PLGA polymers. Main factors affecting the degradation rate of biodegradable polymers. Biomedical applications of bioresorbable polymers.