Preface for the special issue on regenerative medical materials

作     者：Shengmin Zhang (1) Rizhi Wang (2) 

作者机构：1. Huazhong University of Science and Technology Huazhong China2. The University of British Columbia Vancouver Canada 

出 版 物：《Frontiers of Materials Science》 (材料学前沿（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2014年第8卷第1期

页      面：1-2页

核心收录：

学科分类：08[工学] 0805[工学-材料科学与工程（可授工学、理学学位）] 080502[工学-材料学] 

主　　题：artificial heart Materials Science and Engineering Total Joint Replacement Biocompatible Materials Inert Distress Medicine materials science medical materials human tissue Regenerative Organ High Density Polyethylene Engineering Materials Osteoarthritis 

摘      要：Biomaterials science is undoubtedly at the frontier of materials science and engineering. It bridges materials science with biology and medicine, and more importantly its progress brings direct impact to improving health and quality of life for many of us. Traditionally, biomedical implants are made from common engineering materials to replace human tissues or organs. A good example is the artificial joints made of cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium alloy, and high density polyethylene. Over 1 million total hip arthroplasties are performed annually in North America. They effectively relieve pain and restore mobility of those suffering from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Other well-known biomedical implants developed in the 20th century are dental implants, artificial heart valves, coronary stents, and artificial hearts. Although effective in achieving the functions, these biomaterials share the same drawback： they are inert and do not actively interact with the surrounding tissues. The injured tissues or organs are replaced permanently by non-viable materials without the possibility of regeneration.