Upon completion of the module, the student will be able to:
- Describe the use of the major classes of biomaterials (e.g. metals / alloys, ceramics / glasses, natural / synthetic / stimuli responsive polymers and composites thereof) in medical device, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine sectors.
- Describe the use of cell-derived biomaterials in medical device, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine sectors.
- Select appropriate biomaterial(s) and processing method(s) for the development of devices for a specific cell type and/or clinical indication.
- Specify biophysical, biochemical and biological in vitro microenvironment modulators that control cell fate.
- Specify suitable methods for biophysical, biochemical and biological characterisation of implantable medical devices for a specific clinical indication.
- Understand mechanisms involved in implant failure.
- Understand cytotoxicity and biocompatibility issues relating to implantable medical devices.
- Appreciate regulatory requirements in the development of medical devices.
- Appreciate important ethical considerations in different areas of medical device development.
- Appreciate innovation, commercialisation and clinical translation in medical device development.
- Report and disseminate scientific findings.

- Definitions of biomaterials, biocompatibility, advanced therapy medicinal products, personalised medicine, etc.
- Research methods and skills
- Introduction to different classes of biomaterials (ceramics / glasses, metals / alloys, natural / synthetic / stimuli responsive polymers)
- Introduction to bottom-up / top-down nano- and micro- biomaterial processing methods for the development of 2D and 3D devices (e.g. sponges, hydrogels, imprinted substrates, electrospun scaffolds, etc.)
- Introduction to biomaterials characterisation as necessary (e.g. structural, thermal, mechanical, biological properties, including preclinical and clinical assessment)
- Discuss implant failure
- Introduction to cellular systems and discussion on how we can control cell fate
- Introduction to commercialisation, clinical translation and regulatory requirements
- Discussions on ethical issues associated with biomaterials development
- Clinical indications as necessary (e.g. bone, cartilage, tendon, skin, cornea, etc.)
- Industry talk(s)
- Intellectual property management

Not applicable to this module.

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

Letter grades and brief comments related to the two written assignments will be provided to students within three weeks of submission deadlines.