Introduction
Metallic materials have a long and varied history in the life sciences. For centuries, the metals themselves have been used in medical and biological applications, from artificial implants to surgical aids. More recently, the use of metallic materials in the life sciences has extended beyond simple tools and into the fields of analytical instrumentation as well as integrated products such as diagnostic devices, drug delivery systems, and artificial organs. This has been driven by the need for materials that can perform a wide range of complex and intricate functions in a manner that is both reliable and cost-effective. As such, the research into, and development of, metallic materials in life sciences has become increasingly important to the advancement of science and medicine.
Biomedical Implications of Metallic Materials
Bio-metallic materials provide unique advantages to the biomedical industry and can offer solutions to a range of needs. Perhaps the most noticeable benefit of the use of these materials is their relative strength and durability. These qualities make them ideal for use in prosthetic devices and for components of micro-instruments — such as those designed for biomedical imaging — that must withstand the mechanically demanding environment of the human body. Metals can also be formed into intricate, miniature components and surfaces which enable the fabrication of functional devices that can serve as alternatives to, or replicas of, human organs and tissues. Finally, metal materials can be engineered with a range of attributes such as corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and optical properties, for use in a wide range of biomedical instrumentation and applications.
Recent Advances in Biomedical Metallic Materials
Recent advances in biomedical metallic materials have enabled the development of a range of innovative products and solutions. One such example is the implementation of nanomaterials such as silver, gold, and magnesium alloys, which can be made into ultra-thin layers and used as tissue scaffolds for tissue engineering. These materials can be engineered to possess properties that are beneficial to the growth of cells and tissue by, for example, providing a surface to which cells can attach and grow, or even releasing biologically beneficial compounds such as antibiotics. This type of material is also beneficial for imaging devices, as the incorporation of metals can improve their visualization capability through the formation of nanostructures.
Another example of recent progress in biomedical metallic materials is the development of metallic sensors. These devices are capable of detecting very small levels of bio-chemicals or compounds in solutions or the environment, making them ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic devices such as glucose monitors. In addition, metallic sensors can be utilized in drug delivery systems, where they can serve as triggers for the release of drugs upon detection of a target compound or physiological change in the patient’s body.
Conclusion
Metallic materials have long been used in the life sciences, but recent advances have enabled the development of an even wider range of applications for these materials. Bio-metallic materials can be tailored to possess a variety of desirable properties, such as strength and durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to facilitate biological processes, making them ideal for medical and biological instruments, implants, and drug delivery systems. Metallic sensors have also been developed to detect tiny concentrations of substances for use in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. As research in this field continues to advance, the opportunities for such materials in life sciences will continue to expand.
