Injectable Biomaterials by Sydney Foster

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Biomaterials are characterized by their bio-mimetic nature which allows any of these synthetic or naturaly derived compounds and structures to be used in the process of replacement or reconstruction of tissues like muscle, bone or even highly differentiated orans like the spinal column or the retina.

Injection allows for the precise control of volume of material and allows for easy on the fly filling of space that is unconventionally shaped. Unfortunately injection does not provide full controllability of material composition and until robotics and viewing techniques sufficiently advance, pinpoint accuracy is limited. Because material reliance and toughness are important for structural implants, injectable materials need to harden in situ. While other methods, like surgery or prefabricated replacement can offer a higher degree of specification in regards to patient specific uses, injection offers faster, less intrusive, technically more accurate application of matrix based therapies. Such delicate application allows for solving problems that are embedded in healthy tissue.

Composition

Many biocompatable materials are available for use in the medical industry today, and many more are on their way. Three classes of injectable biomaterials exist, which have their specific uses for repairing the defects or damages incurred sustained during past trauma.

References

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[1] Macaya D & Ng K K & Spector M (2011) Injectable collagen-genipin gel for the treatment of spinal cord injury: in vitro studies Adv. Funct. Mater. 21 4788–97

[1] Ballios B G & Cooke M J & van der Kooy D & Shoichet M S (2010) A hydrogel-based stem cell delivery system to treat retinal degenerative diseases Biomaterials 31 2555–64