Hi Class! I am interested in metallic materials for biological and medical uses. Metallic biomaterials can be metals, alloys, metallic glasses, and other forms of materials. They have been widely studied and used due to their excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. Metallic biomaterials have broad applications (see Figure 1). For example, they are used as structural materials for medical devices in the fields of orthopedic surgery, blood circulatory system, and dentistry.
During this semester, I will investigate some of the commonly used metallic biomaterials and also keep an eye for the latest research updates on this topic. I will explore the properties of metallic biomaterials such as mechanical properties, surface/interface properties, and biocompatibility. Applications of this class of biomaterials in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and biotechnology will also be surveyed and introduced. Besides, I am also interested in comparing metallic biomaterials with other popular candidates for biomedical uses including polymers, ceramics, etc.
Figure 1. Device applications of metallic biomaterials