Abstract
This paper explains that biomaterials are synthetic materials used to replace or restore damaged function. They should be biocompatible, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. The paper reports that metals, polymers, ceramics and composites are the most commonly used biomaterials. The paper then details their use as synthetic orthopedic, dental and breast implants, in hernia repair, in gene therapy, to replace damaged organs, to enhance bone healing, to store and dispense multiple drug doses and multi-stage vaccines and other uses.

Table of Contents:
Biomaterials in Medical Use
Polymers
Shaped Bodies
The Ideal Materials
ATP Research Fund
PolyHap Implants for Damaged Faces
Polymer Chip
Anti-bacterial Implants
Breast Implants
Polyurethane-covered Implants
Benefits and Contraindications
Benefits
Contraindications
Implants for Malignant Gliomas
BCNU/Gliadel
Polymer Technology
Periodontium Regenerating System
The Invention's Specifics
The Future is Biodegradable
Hernia Device
Summary

From the Paper
"Periodontal disease affects up to 90% of the population and surgery has been the first choice of therapy. Surgery, however, does not restore lost periodontium. Restoration can happen if periodontal ligament cells can colonize root surfaces over gingival epithelial cells, gingival fibroblasts or osteoblasts. The application of microporous membranes under periodontal flaps during surgery eventually brought this effect about. A biodegradable membrane would make a follow-up surgery unnecessary and benefit both patient and surgeon from further health condition and cost."

Tags:biodegradable, replacements, coatings, degradable, periodontium

Abstract
This paper provides a full discussion of the biomaterials market (supply, demand), how the market grew (growth rate, technology), legal barriers on the market (import quotas, etc), future expectations of the market and implications of international trade. This paper is well documented, full of statistics and complete with charts. The reader is easily guided from the beginning of the paper with the definition of a biomaterial right to the heart of issues such as the utilization of human tissue prompting intense ethical concerns regarding the ownership of human biomaterials, eugenics, discrimination, and medical confidentiality.

Abstract
This paper discusses how the introduction of new materials in recent decades has provided urban designers and architects with the opportunity to transform the relationship that has historically existed between people and their environments through innovations in construction and the materials from which these buildings are constructed. This paper provides an overview of some of the historical issues, such as the history of plastics, ceramics, semiconductors and reviews questions about the design issues that emerge from the nature of the materials themselves. This is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Historical Issues and Influences
Emergent Technological and Design Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Citing the example of Japan finding itself in need of coal during the 1930s, Bell reports that the Japanese simply acquired more material by invading Manchuria and appropriating their resources. This author also observed early on that the materials revolution would have a profound effect on how architects and designers selected the materials needed for any given applications, and suggested that new technologies would emerge that would allow for completely customizable materials for any given purpose. This, in fact, is what has taken place in recent years. Indeed, innovations in materials science as well as manufacturing applications that have introduced new composites and the potential for increasingly tiny applications of these substances at the molecular level through nanotechnology promise even more science-fiction-into-science fact realities. "

Tags:alchemists, scientists, bioinformatics, engineering, biomaterials, innovations