The aims of this course are to develop an advanced understanding of the structure and properties of materials used in medical devices. In particular: how this relates to their application in medical devices how the interactions with the biological environment influences their structure and properties (e.g. degradation) how the surface properties of the materials influence the bio interactions and biocompatibility how the surface properties of the materials can be modified to enhance the biological interactions

(LO1) Be able to select appropriate materials, in terms of their structure and properties, for specific medical implant applications

(LO2) Evaluate and understand the likely biocompatibility of the choice of material

(LO3) Undestand strategies to enhance biocompatibility via surface modification

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills: Independent learning, group discussions, Scientific literature searching, interpretation of scientific literature, report writing

(S2) On successful completion of the module, student should be able to demonstrate ability in applying knowledge of the above topics to: select the appropriate materials, in terms of their structure and properties, for specific medical implant applications, evaluate and understand the likely biocompatibility of their choice, consider strategies to enhance biocompatibility via surface modification.

(S3) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: The structure and properties of key metals and alloys that make them applicable in specific medical applications, How implantation in the body influence the corrosion of key implant metals and alloys, The structure and properties of key polymers that make them applicable in specific medical applications, The mechanisms of polymer degradation and how they can be used in specific applications such as to aid drug delivery, The structure and properties of specific ceramics that make them applicable in medical applications, The structure and properties of a range of composites and how to tailor their properties for specific medical applications, The concept of biocompatibility, The structure and importance of the material surface/biological environment interface, The important surface properties of implant materials and how they are analysed, How the surface properties of i mplant materials can be modified to control the biological interactions/

1 Metals and Alloys: Including Stainless steels, Co-Cr alloys, Ti an Ti alloys, including Ni-Ti smart materials, and their use in orthopaedic, dental and cardiovascular applications.
2 Corrosion: Its importance for implant metals and alloys and the role of the biological environment on their corrosion.
3 Polymers: Including polyolefin, polyacrylics, polyesters, polyurethanes, silicone rubber, natural and synthetic hydrogels and their use in orthopaedic, cardiovascular and ophthalmic applications.
4 Polymer degradation: Intentional and unintentional degradation and its application in degradable implants and drug delivery.
5 Ceramics and composites: Including inert, bioactive and resorbably ceramics and their applications. Ceramic/polymer, polymer/polymer and cell/polymer composites and tailoring their properties for specific applications.
6 Biocompatibility: Definition, components, how it is measured and what is its importance to implant materials.
7 Surfaces: The surface properties of implant materials and how they are analysed.
8 Biointerface: Analysis of the material surface/biological environment interface.
9 Surface modification: Surface chemical and topographical modification of implant materials, including bio functionalisation, to control biological interactions.
10 Group discussions and presentations.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided