Did you know that certain metals can be implanted in the human body and gradually degrade without causing harm? Or that by applying surface coatings to bone implants, prostheses can adhere more quickly and securely to the bone? And did you know that nanostructured materials can enhance the performance of medical devices, making them smaller, more flexible, and highly energy-efficient? These are just a few of the many exciting possibilities made possible by the fascinating world of biomaterials.
Although biomaterials are not new, they have accompanied us throughout human history; their potential is virtually limitless when considering factors such as composition, properties, and applications. Whether used alone or in combination (as alloys or composites), inspired by nature (biomimetics), or manufactured using advanced techniques (such as 3D printing, casting, or molding), biomaterials come in a wide variety of sizes and forms (from nanoparticles to films and nanomaterials) and offer a broad spectrum of mechanical properties (from rigid to flexible). The possibilities are enormous!
The BCD group (Biometals, Coatings & Devices), based at the IMDEA Materials Institute, aims to integrate strategic elements in the development of biomaterials, offering innovative solutions that impact the biomedical sector. Our laboratories are bustling with recent projects and new ideas, and we are excited to share them with you. Join us on this exciting journey into the world of biomaterials!
By Dr. Mónica Echeverry Rendón
Group Leader, Biometals, Coatings & Devices. IMDEA Materials Institute.
In August 2021, a severe heat wave hit Spain, with reports claiming that cement temperatures reached up to 60°C. Under such conditions, it was even possible to fry an egg in the sweltering midday sun. The image depicts a human osteoblast (Saos-2) attached to a titanium surface modified through plasma electrolytic oxidation. Titanium (Ti) is widely used in biomedical applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and high biocompatibility.
Surface modification has become a promising approach to enhancing the osseointegration of titanium in orthopedic and dental applications. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an electrochemical technique that, by controlling parameters such as voltage, current, electrolyte composition, and reaction time, enables the creation of various surface morphologies and configurations. These modifications have a direct impact on cellular behavior, ultimately improving tissue-material interactions.
IMDEA Materials Institute has taken a significant step in its commitment to innovation and the scientific development of young researchers by launching its new Junior Principal Investigator (Junior PI) program.
R.A. Ocampo; M. Echeverry Rendón; S. Robledo; F. Echeverría, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2021
W. Ali; M. Echeverry Rendón; A. Kopp; C. González; J. LLorca, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2021
M. Echeverry Rendón; F. Echeverria; H. Buikema; M.C. Harmsen; G. Krenning, Biomaterials Advances, 2022
