nih-gov/www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies

2451 lines
87 KiB
Text
Raw Blame History

This file contains ambiguous Unicode characters

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="content: http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/ dc: http://purl.org/dc/terms/ foaf: http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/ og: http://ogp.me/ns# rdfs: http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema# schema: http://schema.org/ sioc: http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns# sioct: http://rdfs.org/sioc/types# skos: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core# xsd: http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema# ">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="description" content="In medical devices as simplistic as dental fillings to as complex as spinal cord stimulators, biomaterials interact with the human body to fulfill medical needs" />
<meta name="keywords" content="Arthritis,Cancer,Diabetes,Injury,Osteoarthritis,Stem Cells,Trauma,Vaccines Biomaterials,Biomolecular materials,Drug Delivery Systems,Immunoengineering,Implantable medical device,Nanotechnology,Tissue engineering,Tissue Regeneration" />
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies" />
<link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/node/156766" />
<meta name="generator" content="Drupal 8 (http://drupal.org)" />
<meta property="og:site_name" content="National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering" />
<meta property="og:title" content="Biomaterial Technologies" />
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" />
<meta name="twitter:site" content="@NIBIBgov" />
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Biomaterial Technologies" />
<meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" />
<meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" />
<meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
<link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/favicon-2024.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" />
<script>window.a2a_config=window.a2a_config||{};a2a_config.callbacks=[];a2a_config.overlays=[];a2a_config.templates={};</script>
<title>Biomaterial Technologies</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_M-pUL1UgR9wsfrAZCGmM8lPzuWCFRlVV9DzJoS7hwI0.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nibib&amp;include=eJyFUEFuxDAI_JAVPwlhmyQ0DrYM3m5-XyfdtnuI1AuaQTMwgClZQTk8vsA0tyLmUJUMWD4oWmk-qk5xo8SDwCBwQr1TCX0q2FHpkglRGrRAIGi0lwelO1NFoQzfNXSzIvBg5ZDpTt1ICVtcYe6SWBZovKwGyolg5ue19P-d1pDldJdaS7MubEwK4w_XcWd8FzBu5yQr1b9h4FjE_f6DJZFYyCVu_g07elpm2XxqvWKeXtTtw4Z-5mzUpojVeAwTDhz8FVNdxYZLw7rqj_evM3WpPWTWdZylhxrtI5rSF3Adte0" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_aEF6OqZqjqJLoh0a2euYBizjn0L0bvyOyKjN-8ltJN4.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nibib&amp;include=eJyFUEFuxDAI_JAVPwlhmyQ0DrYM3m5-XyfdtnuI1AuaQTMwgClZQTk8vsA0tyLmUJUMWD4oWmk-qk5xo8SDwCBwQr1TCX0q2FHpkglRGrRAIGi0lwelO1NFoQzfNXSzIvBg5ZDpTt1ICVtcYe6SWBZovKwGyolg5ue19P-d1pDldJdaS7MubEwK4w_XcWd8FzBu5yQr1b9h4FjE_f6DJZFYyCVu_g07elpm2XxqvWKeXtTtw4Z-5mzUpojVeAwTDhz8FVNdxYZLw7rqj_evM3WpPWTWdZylhxrtI5rSF3Adte0" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_11GMEshzEGbOCSQllNQaVK4LkoqZwZLhLy6lyXEy8Gc.css?delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nibib&amp;include=eJyFUEFuxDAI_JAVPwlhmyQ0DrYM3m5-XyfdtnuI1AuaQTMwgClZQTk8vsA0tyLmUJUMWD4oWmk-qk5xo8SDwCBwQr1TCX0q2FHpkglRGrRAIGi0lwelO1NFoQzfNXSzIvBg5ZDpTt1ICVtcYe6SWBZovKwGyolg5ue19P-d1pDldJdaS7MubEwK4w_XcWd8FzBu5yQr1b9h4FjE_f6DJZFYyCVu_g07elpm2XxqvWKeXtTtw4Z-5mzUpojVeAwTDhz8FVNdxYZLw7rqj_evM3WpPWTWdZylhxrtI5rSF3Adte0" />
<!-- Google Tag Manager -->
<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-T4JGL8');</script>
<!-- End Google Tag Manager -->
</head>
<body class="fontyourface">
<a href="#main-content" class="usa-sr-only focusable">
Skip to main content
</a>
<div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas>
<section class="usa-banner">
<div class="usa-overlay"></div>
<section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government">
<div class="usa-accordion">
<header class="usa-banner__header">
<div class="usa-banner__inner">
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<img
aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="USA flag"/>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true">
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">
An official website of the United States government
</p>
<p class="usa-banner__header-action">Heres how you know</p>
</div>
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default-default">
<span class="usa-banner__button-text">Heres how you know</span>
</button>
</div>
</header>
<div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default-default">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg">
<div class="usa-banner__guidance mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-3">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img " src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="Dot gov icon" aria-hidden="true"/>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br/>A
<strong>.gov</strong>
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__guidance mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-3">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="Lock Icon" aria-hidden="true"/>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br/>A
<strong>lock</strong>
(
<span class="icon-lock">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewbox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false">
<title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title>
<desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc>
<path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/>
</svg>
</span>) or
<strong>https://</strong>
means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
</section>
<div class="usa-overlay"></div>
<header class="usa-header usa-header--extended usa-header--extended-megamenu " id="header" role="banner">
<div class="region region-header usa-navbar desktop:padding-y-1 desktop:padding-x-0">
<div class="usa-logo site-logo" id="logo">
<a class="logo-img" href="/" accesskey="1" title="National Instititue of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), Home" aria-label="Home">
<img src="/sites/default/files/NIBIB_Logo_Master_2023.svg" alt="National Instititue of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), Home" />
</a>
</div>
<button type="button" class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button>
</div>
<nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav">
<div class="usa-nav__inner">
<button type="button" class="usa-nav__close">
<img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/close.svg" role="img" alt="Close"/>
</button>
<ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion">
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-1">
<span>Funding </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/funding" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156661">Funding</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/opportunities/all" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/all"> <span>All Funding Opportunities</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/opportunities/research" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/research"> <span>Research Opportunities</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/opportunities/training" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/training"> <span>Training Opportunities</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/opportunities/small-business" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/small-business"> <span>Small Business Opportunities</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/opportunities/limited-resource-Institutions" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/limited-resource-Institutions"> <span>Limited-resource Institutions</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">FUNDING RESOURCES</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/notices" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/notices"> <span>Funding Notices</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/policies" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/147366"> <span>Funding Policies</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/nibib-data-management-sharing" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138366"> <span>NIBIB Data Management and Sharing </span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding/resources" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/147391"> <span>Research Resources</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-2">
<span>Research &amp; Training Programs </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/programs" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156656">Research &amp; Training Programs</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">PROGRAMS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/division-applied-science-technology-dast" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41841"> <span>Biomedical Imaging</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/division-discovery-science-technology-ddst" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/142251"> <span>Bioengineering</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/division-health-informatics-technologies-dhit" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41846"> <span>Informatics</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/division-interdisciplinary-training-didt" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/47546"> <span>Training</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/small-business-programs" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156681"> <span>Small Business</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">COLLABORATIONS TO ACCELERATE TECHNOLOGY</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/radx-innovation-funnel" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/146966"> <span>RADx Tech Innovation Funnel</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/interagency-modeling-analysis-group-imag" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/121821"> <span>Interagency Modeling and Analysis Group (IMAG)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/point-care-technologies-research-network" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/121936"> <span>Point-of-Care Technology Network (POCTRN)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/medical-imaging-data-resource-center" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/127326"> <span>Medical Imaging Data Resource (MIDRC)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/radx-tech-program/mars" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/133076"> <span>RADx Mobile At-home Reporting (MARS)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/programs/national-centers-biomedical-imaging-bioengineering" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/143396"> <span>National Technology Centers Program (P41)</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-3">
<span>Labs @ NIBIB </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/labs-at-nibib" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156726">Labs @ NIBIB</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">RESOURCES AND CORES</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/center-for-biomedical-engineering-technology-acceleration-beta" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/140991"> <span>BETA Center</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/advanced-imaging-and-microscopy-aim-resource" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/69321"> <span>Advanced Imaging/Microscopy</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/trans-nih-shared-resource-biomedical-engineering-and-physical-science-beps" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/13551"> <span>Biomed Engineering/Physical Science</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/ideas-lab" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/135571"> <span>IDEAS Resource</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/molecular-tracer-and-imaging-core-facility" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138926"> <span>Molecular Tracer and Imaging Core</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">LABS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/laboratory-cellular-imaging-and-macromolecular-biophysics-lcimb" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/141566"> <span>Cellular Imaging</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/dynamics-macromolecular-assembly" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138901"> <span>Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/section-immunoengineering" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138956"> <span>Immunoengineering</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/section-mechanics-tissue-remodeling-integrating-computational-experimental-systems" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/144586"> <span>Mechanics and Tissue Remodeling</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/section-mechanobiology" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138971"> <span>Mechanobiology</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/quantitative-medical-imaging" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/138916"> <span>Quantitative Imaging</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">RELATED LINKS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/besip" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/34251"> <span>Summer Internship at NIBIB</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-at-nibib/nibib-board-scientific-counselors" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/32501"> <span>Board of Scientific Counselors</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link usa-current" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-4">
<span>Science Education </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/science-education" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156666">Science Education</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">SCIENCE TOPICS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/artificial-intelligence-ai" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/114791"> <span>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies" class="link is-active" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156766" aria-current="page"> <span>Biomaterial Technologies</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/computational-modeling" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31416"> <span>Computational Modeling</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18996"> <span>Computed Tomography (CT) </span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18786"> <span>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/mammography" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/19036"> <span>Mammography</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/medical-device-technologies" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156341"> <span>Medical Device Technologies</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/medical-simulators" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156431"> <span>Medical Simulators</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">SCIENCE TOPICS cont…</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/nuclear-medicine" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18831"> <span>Nuclear Medicine</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/optical-imaging" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31426"> <span>Optical Imaging</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/rapid-diagnostics" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/157006"> <span>Rapid Diagnostics</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/rehabilitation-engineering" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30891"> <span>Rehabilitation Engineering</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/robotic-and-bionic-medical-devices" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/153676"> <span>Robotic and Bionic Medical Devices</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/sensors" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/34241"> <span>Sensors</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/telehealth" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33346"> <span>Telehealth</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18766"> <span>Ultrasound</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/x-rays" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/19176"> <span>X-Rays</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">EXPLORE and LEARN</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/Understanding-Medical-Scans-App" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/68546"> <span>Medical Imaging App</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/beams-challenge" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/143486"> <span>Lesson Plans</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/meet-a-scientist" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/141721"> <span>Meet a Scientist</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYH1eUq1QYrqrvA6HRRgKHcPsoJoJA6Kj" target="_blank" class="link"> <span>Featured Videos</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/glossary" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="science-education/glossary"> <span>Glossary</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-5">
<span>News &amp; Events </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/news-events" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156671">News &amp; Events</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">NEWS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/newsroom" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/newsroom"> <span>Newsroom</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/press-releases" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/press-releases"> <span>Press Releases</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/science-highlights" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/science-highlights"> <span>Science Highlights</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/nibib-news" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/nibib-news"> <span>NIBIB in the News</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">EVENTS</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/meetings-events/upcoming-events" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/meetings-events/upcoming-events"> <span>Upcoming Events</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/meetings-events/past-events" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/meetings-events/past-events"> <span>Past Events</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/meetings-events/photo-galleries" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/meetings-events/photo-galleries"> <span>Event Photos</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">MEDIA RESOURCES</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/131271"> <span>Science Topics</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="mailto:nibibpress@mail.nih.gov" target="_self" class="link"> <span>Contact Us</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-6">
<span>About NIBIB </span>
</button>
<div id="extended-mega-nav-section-6" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden="">
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col flex-auto duplicated-parent">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span><a href="/about-nibib" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156676">About NIBIB</a> <span class="uswds-arrow-forward"></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row mm-container">
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">WHO WE ARE</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/mission" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79861"> <span>Mission &amp; History</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/directors-corner" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/121791"> <span>Director&#039;s Corner</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/organizational-chart" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18836"> <span>Organization Chart</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/advisory-council" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/876"> <span>Advisory Council</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/careers-at-NIBIB" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/131241"> <span>Jobs @ NIBIB</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="desktop:grid-col-4 submenu-list-container">
<div class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<span target="_self" class="nolink"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-heading">WHAT WE DO</span>
</span>
</div>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/strategic-plan" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11846"> <span>Strategic Plan</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nibib/budget" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/911"> <span>Budget</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="usa-nav__secondary">
<div>
<section aria-label="search component" id="nibib-header-search" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" role="search">
<form id="search-block-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-search usa-search--small" role="search" action="/searching" method="get">
<label class="usa-sr-only" for="search-field-en-small">Search</label>
<input aria-label="Search" class="usa-input" id="edit-keys" data-drupal-selector="edit-keys" data-original-title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." data-toggle="tooltip" type="search" name="q" value="" tabindex="-1"/>
<button class="usa-button js-form-submit form-submit" name="search_btn" type="submit" value="Search" tabindex="-1">
<img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" />
</button>
</form>
</section>
</div>
<ul class="header-nav__secondary-list">
<li class="header-nav__secondary-item">
<a href="/es/nibib-en-espanol"> En Español
</a>
</li>
<li class="header-nav__secondary-item">
<a target="_blank" class="link-list-serve" href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIBIB/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1"> Join LISTSERV
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</nav>
</header>
<main class="main-content usa-layout-docs usa-section " role="main" id="main-content">
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row breadcrumb-social-share-bar">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-8">
<div>
<div id="block-breadcrumbs" class="block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block">
<nav class="usa-breadcrumb--wrap" role="navigation" aria-label="breadcrumb">
<ol class="usa-breadcrumb__list">
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"><span>Home</span></a>
</li>
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/science-education" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"><span>Science Education</span></a>
</li>
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"><span>Science Topics</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-4">
<div>
<div id="block-addtoanysharebuttons" class="block block-addtoany block-addtoany-block">
<span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies" data-a2a-title="Biomaterial Technologies"><a class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_email a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/email-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" width="27" height="27"></span></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_facebook a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/facebook-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" width="27" height="27"></span></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_linkedin a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/linkedin-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" width="27" height="27"></span></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_x a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/x-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" width="27" height="27"></span
</a><a class="a2a_button_whatsapp"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_whatsapp a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/whatsapp-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" width="27" height="27"></span></a><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s_a2a a2a_s_share a2a-box"><img src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/share-a2a.svg" border="0" alt="Share" width="27" height="27"></span></a></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="">
<div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div>
</div>
<div class="grid-row ">
</div>
<div class="grid-row grid-gap">
<div class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-3 layout-sidebar-first">
<ul class="usa-sidenav">
<li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown active active-trail first">
<span target="_self" class="nolink usa-current dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown">SCIENCE TOPICS</span>
<ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist">
<li class="usa-sidenav__item first">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/artificial-intelligence-ai" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/114791">Artificial Intelligence (AI)</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item active active-trail">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies" class="link usa-current is-active" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156766" aria-current="page">Biomaterial Technologies</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/computational-modeling" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31416">Computational Modeling</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18996">Computed Tomography (CT) </a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18786">Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/mammography" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/19036">Mammography</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/medical-device-technologies" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156341">Medical Device Technologies</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item last">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/medical-simulators" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156431">Medical Simulators</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown">
<span class="nolink dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown">SCIENCE TOPICS cont…</span>
<ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist">
<li class="usa-sidenav__item first">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/nuclear-medicine" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18831">Nuclear Medicine</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/optical-imaging" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31426">Optical Imaging</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/rapid-diagnostics" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/157006">Rapid Diagnostics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/rehabilitation-engineering" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30891">Rehabilitation Engineering</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/robotic-and-bionic-medical-devices" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/153676">Robotic and Bionic Medical Devices</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/sensors" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/34241">Sensors</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/telehealth" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33346">Telehealth</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18766">Ultrasound</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item last">
<a href="/science-education/science-topics/x-rays" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/19176">X-Rays</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown last">
<span class="nolink dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown">EXPLORE and LEARN</span>
<ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist">
<li class="usa-sidenav__item first">
<a href="/Understanding-Medical-Scans-App" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/68546">Medical Imaging App</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/beams-challenge" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/143486">Lesson Plans</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="/science-education/meet-a-scientist" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/141721">Meet a Scientist</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYH1eUq1QYrqrvA6HRRgKHcPsoJoJA6Kj" target="_blank" class="link">Featured Videos</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-sidenav__item last">
<a href="/science-education/glossary" target="_self" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="science-education/glossary">Glossary</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9">
<div id="block-nibib-page-title" class="block--page-title-block">
<h1 class="margin-0 page-header">
<span>Biomaterial Technologies</span>
</h1>
</div>
<div id="block-nibib-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block">
<article data-history-node-id="156766" about="/science-education/science-topics/biomaterial-technologies" class="node node--type-science-topic">
<div>
<ul id="science-topic-anchor-tag-list">
<li>
<a href="#pid-28631">What are biomaterials?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#pid-28636">What are the benefits of biomaterial technologies and how are they being used?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#pid-28641">What are NIBIB-funded researchers developing in the area of biomaterials to improve medical care?</a>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field--items">
<div class="field--item"> <div id="pid-28631" class="paragraph paragraph--type--science-topic paragraph--view-mode--full">
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">What are biomaterials?</div>
</h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-description field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><figure role="group" class="align-right">
<div>
<div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden">
<div class="title usa-sr-only">Media Image</div>
<div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-11/ecm-501x268.png" width="501" height="268" alt="A medical illustration depicts two dendritic cells anchored to extracellular matrix" typeof="foaf:Image">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<figcaption>Many biomaterials are derived from the fibrous networks of proteins and other molecules that compose the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells. Credit: NIH Medical Arts</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Biomaterials are all around us and, sometimes, within us too. In medical devices as simplistic as dental fillings to as complex as spinal cord stimulators, these materials interact with the human body to fulfill medical or cosmetic needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>People have used biomaterials from natural sources dating back to ancient times, with some of the earliest examples being prosthetics carved from wood and animal tendons used as sutures. Since those humble beginnings, humans have developed means of producing a variety of synthetic polymers, metals, and ceramics for healthcare applications.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, we reengineer both natural and artificial materials into molded or machined parts, coatings, fibers, films, foams, fabrics and more for use in biomedical technologies, such as heart valves, knee joint replacements, dental implants, or contact lenses. Biomaterials can also provide a structural framework in tissue-engineered products for tissue engineering that aim to restore, maintain, or improve damaged tissues or organs.</p>
<p>The field of biomaterials spans a wide variety of biomedical applications, and thus, is highly interdisciplinary by nature, incorporating aspects of medicine, biology, chemistry, materials science, and pharmacology.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Q3S6q97FiU?si=5Mj0_oGzWeC5qhiN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field--item"> <div id="pid-28636" class="paragraph paragraph--type--science-topic paragraph--view-mode--full">
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">What are the benefits of biomaterial technologies and how are they being used?</div>
</h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-description field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>They can enhance biocompatibility</strong>. When foreign objects enter the body, they are usually met with hostility, as the immune system first attempts to degrade them and eventually encases them in scar tissue. This usually happens for good reason, but when the foreign body is a medical device, this process, known as the foreign body response (FBR), can hinder device function, cause pain, and lead to additional surgeries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To minimize FBR, many medical devices employ corrosion-resistant, biologically inert materials, such as titanium and silicone rubber. Another strategy is to use biodegradable materials that break down before FBR becomes a chronic issue. Materials can also be designed to mimic aspects of the native scaffolding that cells grow within, called the extracellular matrix (ECM).&nbsp;</p>
<figure role="group" class="align-left">
<div>
<div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden">
<div class="title usa-sr-only">Media Image</div>
<div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-11/drug_delivery_fact_sheet-501x891.png" width="501" height="891" alt="A medical diagram showing different biomaterial drug carriers and how they can be administrated in the body" typeof="foaf:Image">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<figcaption>Various types of drug carriers made of different biomaterials can help therapeutics reach their targets in the body unscathed. Credit: NIBIB; Created with BioRender</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>By matching the stiffness, structure, or chemical composition of native ECM, materials can convey friendly signals that not only reduce FBR but encourage healing and tissue integration. One common example is the use of hydroxyapatite an abundant mineral in bone for orthopedic implant coatings, which encourages tissue ingrowth and increases device longevity.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>They can restore or replace tissue function</strong>. Biomaterials confer important properties to medical devices that allow them to treat diseased or injured tissue. In load-bearing technologies, such as artificial hip joints, metal alloys and ceramics that are strong enough to support surrounding tissue and wear-resistant enough to withstand repetitive motion are generally implemented.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mechanical properties are just as critical when devices engage with soft tissues. For example, artificial blood vessels and vascular stents made of adequately flexible polymers and metal alloys can support pulsatile blood flow in place of or together with deficient vessels. Materials may fulfill a need due to other characteristics, such as optical properties. To restore visual acuity, intraocular or contact lenses made of silicone or some other polymer must be sufficiently transparent and refract light at the appropriate angle.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>They can deliver therapeutics</strong>. Putting medication into the bloodstream has been a tried-and-true method of treatment for thousands of years. A consistent risk that comes with this approach, however, is the possibility of off-target effects. When therapeutics are administered into the circulatory system they may end up in organs and tissues that are not the intended target, sometimes to deleterious effect. Some can be administered locally through alternative routes, such as topical medications. But others must enter the blood. Even then, some may degrade before reaching their targets.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Biomaterials, such as nanoparticles made of synthetic or lipid polymers, can encase therapeutics to help protect them in the bloodstream. These carriers can be modified to be selectively taken up by certain cell populations as well. Medical devices, from tissue scaffolds to vascular stents, can be coated or loaded with anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrotic therapeutics. These can be released in a controlled manner, through the biodegradation of the material holding the therapeutic, or in response to a specific biological stimulus, such as heat or acidity.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field--item"> <div id="pid-28641" class="paragraph paragraph--type--science-topic paragraph--view-mode--full">
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">What are NIBIB-funded researchers developing in the area of biomaterials to improve medical care?</div>
</h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-science-topic-description field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><figure role="group" class="align-right">
<div>
<div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden">
<div class="title usa-sr-only">Media Image</div>
<div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-11/film_500x281.png" width="500" height="281" alt="The piezoelectric film, held between thumb and ring finger" typeof="foaf:Image">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<figcaption>Researchers designed a piezoelectric film to regenerate cartilage. Credit: Thanh lab at the University of Connecticut.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/recharging-cartilage-after-knee-damage">Recharging cartilage after knee damage&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>Osteoarthritis is a painful joint condition affecting millions worldwide, yet current treatment options are limited. Seeking an alternative, researchers developed a biodegradable polymer film that, when subjected to pressure, produces cartilage-regenerating electrical current. In a model of osteoarthritis in rabbits, the team found that animals treated with the films and a daily exercise routine regenerated new tissue that closely mimicked native cartilage.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/new-insight-immune-response-forges-path-toward-improved-medical-implants">New insight into the immune response forges a path toward improved medical implants&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>Why do some biomaterials elicit harmful immune reactions while others stimulate reparative responses? To find out, NIBIB researchers studied the differences in the immune response to both synthetic and naturally derived materials in an animal model of muscle injury. They uncovered key driving factors for implant-induced regeneration and damage findings that could inform the design of new medical devices that steer the immune system toward regenerative processes.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<div id="block-nibib-viewanddownloadsciencetopicfactsheets" class="view-and-download-block block block-block-content block-block-contentc823d97b-6f1d-48c6-867b-fe32b55419f1">
<div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><hr>
<p><span><img alt="download icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/src/images/science-education/Folder_Download_Icon.png"></span> <a href="/sites/default/files/2020-09/Science_Topics_Fact_Sheets.zip">View and Download Science Topic Fact Sheets (PDFs)</a></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</main>
<footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big">
<div class="usa-footer__primary-section">
<div class="grid-container pre-footer">
<div class="prefooter-row">
<div class="pre-footer-col">
<div>
<nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-nibib-prefootermenu1-menu" id="block-nibib-prefootermenu1">
<h2 id="block-nibib-prefootermenu1-menu">Research</h2>
<ul class="menu menu--pre-footer-menu-1 nav">
<li class="first">
<a href="/programs/division-interdisciplinary-training-didt/debut" class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/121961">DEBUT</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/funding/opportunities/all" data-drupal-link-system-path="funding/opportunities/all">Funding Opportunities</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/labs-at-nibib" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156726">Labs@NIBIB</a>
</li>
<li class="last">
<a href="/programs/division-interdisciplinary-training-didt" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/47546">Training</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pre-footer-col">
<div>
<nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-nibib-prefootermenu2-menu" id="block-nibib-prefootermenu2">
<h2 id="block-nibib-prefootermenu2-menu">EXPLORE</h2>
<ul class="menu menu--pre-footer-menu-2 nav">
<li class="first">
<a href="/news-events/newsroom" class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/newsroom">Newsroom</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news-events/meetings-events/upcoming-events" data-drupal-link-system-path="news-events/meetings-events/upcoming-events">Events</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/science-education" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/156666">Science Education</a>
</li>
<li class="last">
<a href="/about-nibib/strategic-plan" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11846">Strategic Plan</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pre-footer-col">
<div>
<nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-nibib-prefootermenu3-menu" id="block-nibib-prefootermenu3">
<h2 id="block-nibib-prefootermenu3-menu">SITE INFO</h2>
<ul class="menu menu--pre-footer-menu-3 nav">
<li class="first">
<a href="/disclaimer" class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18756">Disclaimer</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/policies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18761">Policies</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/sitemap" data-drupal-link-system-path="sitemap">Sitemap</a>
</li>
<li class="last">
<a href="/about-nibib/staff" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="about-nibib/staff">Staff Directory</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pre-footer-col">
<div>
<div id="block-nibib-listserv" class="block block-simple-block block-simple-blockprefooter-block-4">
<h2 class="block-title" >LISTSERV</h2>
<div class="usa-sign-up">
<form class="usa-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" action="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIBIB/subscribers/qualify" id="GD-snippet-form" method="post">
<input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓">
<input name="authenticity_token" type="hidden" value="3VodVbPSwVMsPIIUJqtTROIeRmelSDuxCCzkKeiQhgJhy86M45yuIBHV3dt6P927jW7W5igGxTijSVid0BSqLQ=="> Get the latest NIBIB news and updates <label class="usa-sr-only" for="email">Email Address</label><br />
<input class="usa-input" id="email" name="email" placeholder="Email Address" type="text">
<input class="usa-button usa-button--secondary" name="commit" type="submit" value="Submit">&nbsp;</p>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="footer-agency">
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="usa-footer__logo footer-agency--column">
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto">
<a href="https://nibib.nih.gov">
<img class="usa-footer__logo-img" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/img/NIBIB_Logo_Master_2024-footer.png" alt="Agency logo">
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="footer-agency--column">
<div class="usa-footer__contact-links ">
<div class="usa-footer__contact-links-title">
<h5>STAY IN TOUCH</h5>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__social-links grid-row grid-gap-1">
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/nibibgov">
<img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/facebook.svg" alt="Facebook">
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--twitter" href="https://twitter.com/nibibgov">
<img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/x.svg" alt="Twitter">
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--youtube" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NIBIBTV">
<img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/youtube.svg" alt="YouTube">
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-institute-of-biomedical-imaging-and-bioengineering-nibib/">
<img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/linkedin.svg" alt="LinkedIn">
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--rss" href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/rss-feeds">
<img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/nibib/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/rss_feed.svg" alt="RSS">
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__contact-links-contact">
<a href="/contact-us">Contact Us</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__secondary-section">
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="pre-footer-col-fill">
<p class="margin-0"><a href="/">nibib.nih.gov</a><br/><em>An official website of the <Span class="link-underlined"><a href="https://www.nih.gov">National Institutes of Health</a></span> and the <Span class="link-underlined"><a href="https://www.hhs.gov">Department of Health and Human Services</a></span></em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row bottom-footer-links">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-12">
<nav class="usa-footer__nav usa-identifier__container">
<div class="grid-row ">
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.nih.gov/about-nih" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">About NIH</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/freedom-information-act-office" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">FOIA requests</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">Office of the Inspector General</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.nih.gov/privacy-policy" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">Privacy policy</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.nih.gov/accessibility" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">Accessibility statement</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.edi.nih.gov/no-fear-act" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">No FEAR Act data</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 footer-menu-item">
<strong><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html" class="link usa-footer_secondary-link">Vulnerability Disclosure</a></strong>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container ">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="pre-footer-col-fill">
<p class="margin-0">Looking for U.S. government information and services? <Span class="link-underlined"><a href="https://USA.gov">Visit USA.gov</a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
</div>
<script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/156766","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"back_to_top":{"back_to_top_button_trigger":100,"back_to_top_speed":1200,"back_to_top_prevent_on_mobile":true,"back_to_top_prevent_in_admin":false,"back_to_top_button_type":"image","back_to_top_button_text":"Scroll to top"},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":true,"extTargetAppendNewWindowLabel":"(opens in a new window)","extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":true,"extTitleNoOverride":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":true,"extExclude":"(.)\\.gov\/(.)|(.)\\.gov","extInclude":"","extCssExclude":".social_media_share_icons, ul.we-mega-menu-ul, .path-research-funding .main-container.container .row .col-sm-12 .dynamic-layouts-container .dynamic-layout-row.rows_one_col_one_two .col_two_row_one:nth-child(2) section.block.block-block-content:nth-child(1), .path-taxonomy .main-container.container .row .col-sm-12 .dynamic-layouts-container .dynamic-layout-row.rows_one_col_one_two .col_two_row_one:nth-child(2) section.block.block-block-content:nth-child(1),\r\n.path-frontpage .main-container.container .region.region-content #block-nibib-homepage-slider.background-gradient\r\n.carousel.slide .carousel-indicators li","extCssInclude":"","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":true,"extAlertText":"You are leaving the NIBIB website.\r\nThis external link provides additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of this site. NIBIB cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal site. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by NIBIB or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site. \r\nYou will be subject to the destination site`s privacy policy when you follow the link.","extHideIcons":false,"mailtoClass":"mailto","telClass":"tel","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","telLabel":"(link is a phone number)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"append","extPreventOrphan":false,"extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","extAdditionalLinkClasses":"","extAdditionalMailtoClasses":"","extAdditionalTelClasses":"","extFaTelClasses":"fa fa-phone","whitelistedDomains":[],"extExcludeNoreferrer":""}},"mediaelement":{"attachSitewide":0,"setDimensions":1},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"5d02273f88884bb823a737a4f2b97e7e823a3c5950c86691a545715b47c2093d"}}</script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_VIKmHJLassoHIjOVjZ-vppnLFuZS2C9fChz13CRlzKg.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nibib&amp;include=eJxNiEEOgCAMwD6E8iSygZoJGWQbUX6vBxJNemgLKVkFHh6mrLtUNocQc7D60vzPw6luu60QZ5-kNyjrTMeEhP4oFaEsGoWa6TdVQcbMrlfSB0xrL0w"></script>
<script src="https://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" defer></script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_CDLI099naXkvaryhV7NU3HiBm1fZxJyRsGvkP6NKB2M.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nibib&amp;include=eJxNiEEOgCAMwD6E8iSygZoJGWQbUX6vBxJNemgLKVkFHh6mrLtUNocQc7D60vzPw6luu60QZ5-kNyjrTMeEhP4oFaEsGoWa6TdVQcbMrlfSB0xrL0w"></script>
</body>
</html>