Module: Biomaterials & Processing Technology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Biomaterials & Processing Technology
Module Code	MM413 (ITS) / MEC1034 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
Module Co-ordinator	Inam Ul Ahad
Module Teachers	Garrett Mcguinness, Nicholas Dunne, Tanya Levingstone
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

1. To familiarise the students with materials used to replace part of a living system, or to exist in intimate contact with living tissue, and for minimally invasive surgical applications. 2. Students will understand biomaterial requirements, limitations and recent developments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the characteristics and properties of the natural materials from which living systems are made.
2. Describe and explain the biological processes associated with the implantation of biomaterials in the body.
3. Identify, describe and explain models for the viscoelastic and/or rubber-like behaviour of artificial and natural biomaterials, and describe experiments to test these properties.
4. Identify, describe and explain relevant materials processing technologies, including polymer processing (e.g. extrusion), metal processing (e.g. casting) and coating technologies (e.g. PVD, CVD, Thermal Spray).
5. Analyse and solve linear viscoelastic problems (Maxwell, Kelvin models, Boltzmann superposition principle), soft tissue mechanics problems (simple finite elasticity models, prescribed deformations), fluid mechanics problems (polymer extrusion), and residual stress calculations (thermal spray coating processes)
6. Compile a well organised independent desk study on a biomaterial, including(i) writing a literature survey (ii) identification of key mechanical and physical properties required for a selected application, and (iii) biological evaluation of the biomaterial according to a relevant standard

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures
Tutorial	12	Tutorials
Laboratory	12	Laboratory or practical sessions
Independent Study	77	Study, problem solving and literature review
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to biomaterials

Properties of natural materials constituents.
In vivo versus In vitro properties. Bone. Tissue.

Polymers, Biopolymers.
Viscoelasticity. Resorbable and bioerodible polymers. Sterilisation issues.

Hydrogels
Classification and basic structure. Preparation. Swelling behaviour. Determination of Structural Properties. Applications.

Metals
Metals used in the biomedical industry. Evolution of a metallic prosthesis. Casting, Mechanical forming, Heat treatment, Finishing, Mechanical properties associated with metallic components.

Ceramics / Composites.
Reactive ceramics. Composites used in the biomedical industry. Fabrication of composites. Mechanical properties. Casting materials. Applications.

Thin Films, Grafts and Coatings
Processes. Mechanics.

General principles.
Methods for modifying the surfaces of materials. The nature of the plasma environment. Laser methods.

Host response
Local host response. Systemic and host response.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Concept, Principles, Bioreactors, Experimental Characterisation Methods

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Project	Individual project relating to a specific biomaterial or class of biomaterials	30%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

B.D. Ratner, A.D. Hoffman, F.J. Schoen, J.E. Lemons: 2004, Biomaterials science: an introduction to materials in medicine, 2nd, Elsevier Academic Press, 0-12-582463-7
William D. Callister, Jr: 2003, Materials science and engineering, 6th, J. Wiley, New York, 978-0-471-13576-0
Joon B. Park and Roderic S. Lakes: 1992, Biomaterials, Plenum Press, New York, 0306439921
Adil Al Mayah: 2018, Biomechanics of Soft tissues: Principles and Applications, CRC Press, 135-1-135-813

Other Resources

None