Material Design and Surface Engineering for Bio-implants

Bio-implants are engineered medical devices developed to replace the non-functioning biological structural parts of human organisms, helping to support various functions of the biological structure of the given host. As a result, the development of bio-implants has evolved from the basis of selecting specific materials for design to the selection of materials based on specific properties. In typical implant operations, the properties that are highly sought for help the bio-implant processes undergo complete bio-integration with the biostructure. With advancements in technology and research, bio-implant materials are now also being rationally designed to help control their functionality, allowing for more optimal integration within the system as well as to optimally perform the complex functions of the system. This has been accomplished through developing surface-coating methods. With these discoveries, a transition has been seen in bio-implant operations from the selection of specific bio-inert materials for operations to the surface engineering of specific materials to help further promote bio-integration through the materials’ bio-activity. This review surveys recent developments in the field of bio-implants, material design, and surface engineering.