Implant Material Evolution by Felicia Dunbar

Implant Material Evolution explores the fascinating development of materials used in medical implants, charting a journey from early metals to advanced bioactive substances. The book emphasizes the critical role of biocompatibility, detailing how materials like titanium alloys have become mainstays due to their superior integration with the human body. Readers will discover how surface modification techniques, such as applying hydroxyapatite coatings, can significantly enhance osseointegration and promote tissue regeneration, essential for long-term implant success.

The book uniquely bridges scientific research with practical applications, appealing to a broad audience from biomedical engineers to surgeons. Beginning with fundamental concepts of material properties, it progresses through metallic, ceramic, and polymeric implant materials, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations.

The latter sections delve into cutting-edge smart materials like shape-memory alloys and hydrogels, offering a glimpse into the future of regenerative engineering and personalized medicine. By tracing the evolution of implant materials, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of how medical device technology continues to advance. It is important to understand how the transition from bio-inert to bioactive materials marks a significant paradigm shift, driven by our expanding knowledge of cellular interactions at the implant-tissue interface.