Bioengineering Materials Sience

Not applicable.

In the theoretical classes, the syllabus of the course are presented, using slide projection.

In theoretical-practical classes, the teacher guides the student in solving a wide range of exercises covering all components of the curriculum. The sheets with the problems proposed to be solved in the theoretical-practical classes are made available in advance.

Practical classes are of an experimental nature or of treatment / interpretation of experimental results. Some practical / laboratory classes will be aimed at applying concepts, clarifying doubts and solving some practical exercises, in order to stimulate reasoning and a taste for the subjects taught.

This course unit is intended to provide students with knowledge and skills on the fundamental principles of Materials Science, including the state of the art of biomaterial development, particularly with regard to the most relevant medical applications. It is also intended that students acquire a thorough knowledge about the various types of materials and their use in the pharmaceutical and medical areas. It will underline the relationship between material science and fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics, biology and engineering. 

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

i) identify the various types of materials;
ii) select the materials that best fit a given application;
iii) to know the state of the art in terms of development of biomaterials;
iv) understand how the properties of biomaterials condition the interaction with the organism;
v) recognize the contribution of biomaterials to improving the quality of human life;
vi) to be aware of the multidisciplinary character of the area.

I – Introduction to materials science and engineering

Materials and engineering; classification of materials; future trends in the use of materials.
II – The structure of solids
Electrons in atoms; atomic and molecular bonding; crystal structure; atomic positions and unit cells; polymorphism or allotropy; types of defects; diffusion in solids.
III – Mechanical properties of metals
Concepts of stress and strain; stress-strain test; metal alloys; plastic deformation; fracture mechanics. Evaluation of the mechanical behavior of metals by stress-strain test.
IV – Phase diagrams
Binary phase diagrams; determination of phase amounts; lever rule; invariant reactions.
V – Ceramic materials
Structures and properties of ceramics; mechanical behavior; bioceramic materials.
VI – Polymeric materials
Polymerization reactions; molecular weight; degree of polymerization; polymer crystallinity; thermoplastics; thermosetting; elastomers (rubbers). Evaluation of the mechanical behavior of polymers by stress-strain test. 
VII – Composites
Particle/fiber-reinforced composites; complex composite structures; mechanical behavior. Comparison of the mechanical behavior of composites with non-reinforced materials.
VIII – Biomaterials
Definition; classification; historical perspective; state of art; materials used as biomaterials; hydrogels; controlled release systems; biocompatibility; bioactivity; biodegradability; biomedical applications. 

NAO

1. Smith, W. (1998). Princípios de Ciência e Engenharia dos Materiais (3ª edição). Lisboa: Mc Graw-Hill. 

2. Callister, W. (2003). Materials science and engineering: an introduction (6ª edição). NY: John Wiley & Sons. 

3. Park, J. & Lakes, R. (2007). Biomaterials – An Introduction (3ª edição). NY: Springer Science. 

4. Ratner, B.; Hoffmann, A.; Schoen, F. & Lemons, J. (2012). Biomaterials Science: an Introduction to Materials in Medicine (3ª edição). Oxford: Academic Press.

5. Wong, J. & Bronzino, J. (2007). Biomaterials (1st edition). Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis Group.