Will biomaterials rule the future?

In the medical field, materials that are biocompatible with the tissues and biological fluids of humans and animals are called biomaterials; these materials are utilised in the fabrication of organs, either human or animal, with the intention of transplanting them into the body. Biomechanical and physicochemical characteristics of biomaterials used in medicine (dental prostheses, contact lenses, heart valves,…..etc.) must be suited to their intended applications, whether they serve to replace or enhance organ functions. Additionally, it must be guaranteed that these materials will not gradually discharge any harmful compounds into the body.

An image of an artificial heart exhibited at London science museum. By Rick Proser- 23 December 2008.

The term "biomaterials" refers also to materials that originate from biological organisms, regardless of their intended use. Apart from the medical field, biological materials find widespread application in a variety of other fields, including waste treatment, agriculture, the production of environmentally friendly chemicals, the food industry, and more.

Some natural substances utilised in the production of biomaterials:

1- Chitosan:

Arthropod exoskeletons include chitosan as a component.

Chitosan
Chitin derived from Pandalus borealis shells as well as those of prawns and other marine crustaceans, undergoes partial deacetylation to produce chitosan. Chitosan's biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial qualities, and usefulness have led to extensive research into it as a natural biomaterial for a variety of biomedical uses including tissue regeneration and drug development for use in the treatment of Crohn's disease, cancer, Alzheimer, and Parkinson's disease. The regeneration of the vessels of heart and blood has also been shown to benefit from chitosan-based biomaterials in many different kinds of ways.

2- Polysaccharide alginates:

Alginate, a polysaccharide family member, is recovered from brown algae and appears as a gel with different ions; its concentration in the algae is around 40% of the total polysaccharide content.
In several sectors, alginate polysaccharide is employed as a stabilizing and gelling agent. These are examples of industrial areas in which alginate polysaccharides are used:

Various medical uses, such as burns and dermatology, oesophageal reflux treatment, dental impression materials, etc.
Food industry (food jellies)
Beauty products
Textile dyes
Paper industry
Paints and printing inks
Water treatment

3- Polypeptides:

A covalent connection between an amino acid's carbon carboxyl group and the nitrogen of its next amino acid group holds a short sequence of amino acids together, known as a peptide. Amino acid polymers are known as polypeptides.
The amount and arrangement of amino acids in the chain dictate the final polypeptide's structural and functional characteristics, and consequently, the range of applications for which it may be used in the production of biomaterials. One of the most well-known products of polypeptides is gelatin, which was mostly used in food industry. Natural collagen, which is a non-toxic biomolecule found in animal skin and bones, is the basis of the physiologically active polypeptides that make up gelatin. Today, gelatin is utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

4- hyaluronic acid:

Hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that is naturally occurring in the body (tissues and fluids and eye vitreous), was initially identified by Karl Meyer and John Palmer in 1943 in the vitreous eyes of cows.
Hyaluronic acid has become a crucial component in regenerative medicine and the production of medical goods since it is non-toxic and non-allergic, as well as having anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties and playing a significant role in wound healing and cell differentiation. This compound's applications include tissue engineering, ophthalmology, cancer therapy medications, and cosmetics manufacturing.

Conclusion:

Biomaterials are increasingly being used in a variety of industries as research advances. Their application in the medical profession, pharmaceutical business, and diagnostics is also growing. Artificial skin has been created as well to replace human skin in the case of severe burns or major skin conditions.