Functionally graded ceramics for biomedical application: Concept, manufacturing, and properties

Abstract

Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) represent a novel approach for the realization of innovative properties and/or functions that conventional homogeneous materials cannot accomplish. In conventional materials, in fact, the composition or the structure is uniform over the volume; on the opposite, in FGMs such features gradually change from layer to layer, with the aim of realizing a gradation of properties over the volume and performing a set of specified functions. Among FGMs, special attention is given today to Functionally Graded Ceramics (FGCs), designed and developed to withstand a variety of severe operative conditions, including high temperatures, corrosive environments, abrasion, mechanical, and thermal induced stresses. An important application field of FGCs is for medical prosthetic devices and artificial tissues, taking inspiration from the several examples of living tissues with graded structures. After an introduction on the rationale for using FGCs in the biomedical field, the 3 main types of graded materials developed today (eg, composition, porosity and microstructural graded ceramics) are here reviewed, highlighting the most innovative technologies used to develop them, their potentials and challenging features in comparison with the monolithic counterparts. K E Y W O R D S

Functionally Graded Biomaterials for Use as Model Systems and Replacement Tissues

“…[53] Ceramics are commonly used to form engineered tissues such as bone, as these carbonated phosphates can withstand high temperatures, abrasion, and mechanical stresses. [54] Functionally-graded ceramics are promising for use in the transition zone between the chondral and osseous phases at the bone-cartilage interface. Gradients of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were printed with a potent, chondroinductive growth factor (transforming growth factor beta 1, TGF-β1) in a poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide) (PNAGA) gel to promote osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of human MSCs.…”

Natural gradient composite made of aragonite nanofibers: the ligament of bivalveAcesta marissinica

“…4 To date, the valve structure has been extensively studied due to its applications in bio-inspired design and fabrication of advanced materials. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] However, the structure of the FL has been neglected in materials science with little literature available.…”

Functionally graded materials classifications and development trends from industrial point of view

“…Furthermore, they give the opportunity to take the benefits of different material systems e.g. ceramics and metals [14]. In addition, biocompatibility of some FGMs increase their suitability as bone replacement.…”