With actuation capabilities that respond to temperature or light, the potential uses for shape memory polymers (SMPs) in the biomedical arena are on the rise. This article describes current and potential future uses of SMPs for medical devices.

Automotive manufacturers are making significant investments in the design and development of bioplastics and biocomposites-based components.

Because the photopolymerization of gelatin methacrylate can be spatially and temporally controlled, it can be fabricated into hydrogels well suited to a variety of biomedical applications.

3D printing of organic and inorganic materials requires special consideration in both material selection and the process used. This article provides an overview of the the six major processes used for 3D bioprinting: extrusion bioprinting, inkjet printing, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, laser-induced forward transfer bioprinting, and two-photon polymerization.

This article explores two case studies regarding use of materials data and software educational tools to analyze biocompatibility related to implantable medical devices. The example applications are glass-ceramic scaffolds and suture anchor implants.

Improving the mechanical properties and wear resistance of polymers used as implant bearing materials requires new approaches and modern technology. This article describes recent work on translating novel materials and coatings into clinical practice to reduce risks and significantly improve orthopedic implant fixation and longevity.

As scientists and engineers continue to develop and investigate replacement tissues for patient disease, injury, and aging, proper mechanical characterization of biological materials is critical. This article provides an overview of some static mechanical testing, creep testing, stress-relaxation testing, and fatigue testing methods for biomaterials applications.

For sports and recreation equipment manufacturers and sports medicine clinicians, mechanical testing is essential to optimize material performance, minimize injury, and improve recovery outcomes. This article describes some of the specialized tests used for sports equipment.

A recent advance in the evolutionary ladder of materials for orthopedic sports medicine applications involves composites made of one or more bioabsorbable polymers. This article describes preclinical and clinical results for a specific formulation comprising 30% beta tricalcium phoshate and 70% poly(lactide-coglycolide) polymer.

This article is a case study in using laser sintering additive manufacturing of PEKK (polyether-ketone-ketone) to manufacture a patient-specific cranial implant.

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a high-resolution characterization system that incorporates six gel permeation chromatography columns, two light scattering detectors, a refractive index sensor, and a viscometer. The new system facilitates the study of separated macromolecules and is expected to play a role in the development of safer biopolymers for breast implants.