The
development of biomaterials is not a new area of
science, having existed for around half a century.
The study of biomaterials is called biomaterial science.
It is a provocative field of science,
having experienced steady and strong growth over its history, with many
companies investing large amounts of money into the development of new products. Biomaterial science encompasses elements of medicine, biology, chemistry, tissue engineering
and materials science.
"A
biomaterial is any material, natural or man-made, that comprises whole or
part of a living structure or biomedical device which performs, auguments, or
replaces a natural function".[citation needed]
1.
Any substance, synthetic
or natural, that can be used as a system
or part of a system
that treats, augments,
or replaces any tissue, organ, or function of the body
