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2020 | Buch

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Biomaterials Science and Implants

Status, Challenges and Recommendations

verfasst von: Prof. Dr. Bikramjit Basu

Verlag: Springer Singapore

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

Biomaterials as a research theme is highly socially relevant with impactful applications in

human healthcare. In this context, this book provides a state-of-the-art perspective on

biomaterials research in India and globally. It presents a sketch of the Indian landscape

against the backdrop of the international developments in biomaterials research.

Furthermore, this book presents highlights from major global institutes of importance,

and challenges and recommendations for bringing inventions from the bench to the

bedside. It also presents valuable information to those interested in existing issues

pertaining to developing the biomaterials research ecosystem in developing countries.

The contents also serve to inspire and educate young researchers and students to take up

research challenges in the areas of biomaterials, biomedical implants, and regenerative

medicine. With key recommendations for developing frontier research and policy, it

also speaks to science administrators, policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs on

helping shape the future of biomaterials research and development.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Crossing the Boundaries

Abstract

The future of science lies in breaking the down barriers between fields to solve global challenges of our time. ‘Interdisciplinarity’ is the mantra to solve the grand global challenges that no single discipline can address on its own. Scientists from various backgrounds are coming together to transcend the boundaries of their respective disciplines. The most exciting research is happening at the intersections, where various scientific disciplines meet. The field of biomaterials science is one of the finest examples of a truly interdisciplinary research field. This chapter introduces the readers to key definitions of the scientific terms that a non-specialist needs to know, before appreciating the major developments that have taken place over the last few decades. The relevance of this important interdisciplinary field of science is illustrated by citing a few biomaterials-based solutions to treat human diseases.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 2. Economic Impact, Healthcare Initiatives, and Research Funding

Abstract

The potential economic and societal impact have driven significant research programmes on biomaterials and implants over the last few decades globally. However, the outcome has not yet been too significant in India, as more than 80% of the implants used in Indian hospitals are still imported! It is therefore important to consider the market value of implants and the quantum of business related to the field of biomaterials. In this context, this chapter introduces the potential economic impact of the indigenous development of high-quality biomedical implants, which also drives many national policies to facilitate translational research. Against this backdrop, governmental funding agencies have started several new initiatives. This chapter discusses the above aspects and briefly mentions the international status also. In addition, the present status of medical and bioengineering education is briefly mentioned.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 3. Scientists at Work in India

Abstract

As breakthroughs in biomaterials science reach a tipping point, a tour de force of the diverse research in laboratories of excellence across India can be seen to occur, promising lower healthcare costs and a better future for patients. Who are the scientists, what are they up to and where? The rise of engineering and advances in biology opened up new frontiers in the twentieth century. In the new millennium, as the two started to converge, biomaterials sciences took shape, creating an unprecedented link amongst engineers, biologists, clinicians and entrepreneurs. Numerous initiatives are underway at the national and institutional levels in India, with a number of research groups working in academia and national laboratories (see geographical map and groups). However, challenging barriers exist between the bench and bedside; as many research programs are ended at late stages of laboratory-scale development or pre-clinical validation. A few examples from the academia and national laboratories will be provided to highlight the status of the clinically validated indigenous technologies. It is noteworthy that funding and facilitation are required for human clinical trials, an important step in translational biomaterials science. Therefore, significant challenges pave the road to this transformative partnership: how to translate biomaterials and bioengineering concepts to improve human health? Like every other branch of science, biomaterials science, too, does not exist in a vacuum. This chapter portrays the Indian landscape of biomaterials science and implants. The discussion in this chapter may not contain all the national groups, and many of these have been currently pursuing important research themes in the field of biomaterials and implants.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 4. International Status

Abstract

The quantum of translational research in developed countries is generally high, with a better research ecosystem, having hospitals attached to many research centres. As we have seen in the previous chapter, high quality research is ongoing in academia and national labs, in India. However, the ecosystem in India is not yet sufficiently developed to allow a streamlined and efficient approach to product development and translation. In many developed nations, there are well-developed regulatory frameworks in place, better connectivity between biomedical manufacturers and private companies, more corporate funding for research, and well-developed contract research organisations. This chapter is intended to highlight the translational research activities, which are key examples of successful research ecosystems. The examples shown in the geographical map are no way meant to be an exhaustive list, but represent the work of major multi-institutional research centres around the globe. An overview of the work of major research groups is summarised in Appendix C.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 5. A Challenging Frontier and Status of National Policies

Abstract

It is hard enough to mimic, predict, and create the intricate and elegant structures of living tissue or organs and harder still to make them sustainable and affordable for the common man. Over the years, the field of biomaterials science has blossomed with impressive strides in establishing connections with nanoscale science, genetics, and molecular and cell biology. Along with the coming together of multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, biologists and engineers; new opportunities for understanding, manipulating, and mimicking biological materials and processes have opened up. With unique materials and devices, biomaterials have emerged as a frontier science, challenging the very foundations of accepted paradigms and pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge, especially around its interface with human health.

As discussed in Chap. 2, the global markets for biomaterial implants in different segments like orthopaedic and dental implant/device segments are expected to increase steadily in the coming decade. Yet, the march of science is fraught with challenges. Although in the past few decades, the focus on patient-specific solutions has risen extensively, there are worrying questions that refuse to go away: How can scientists tap into the enormous unaddressed potential of biosystems and biomaterialomics? How far can clinical and societal needs be best met? What biological strategies would lead to materials that build and repair themselves? How can biomaterials be made multifunctional, dynamic, responsive and sustainable?

A few developing nations like India and China have seen a significant improvement in the quality and efficacy of healthcare due to gradual acceptance of imported implants and biomedical devices and procedures for diagnostics, treatment, and patient care, in the last few decades. But the cost of quality healthcare has escalated tremendously; how can scientists design and develop applications so that the healthcare solutions reach the economically challenged cross-section of society? While addressing many such unanswered questions, this chapter summarises some of the major challenges.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 6. Recommendations

Abstract

The sixfold recommendations presented here can accelerate the development of indigenous high-quality biomedical materials and implants and contribute to making the treatment of millions of patients in India affordable. On its 73rd year of independence, India is surging ahead. Right at the heart of global geopolitics, it is one of the world’s best-performing human resource capitals, an emerging economy, and a software giant. Nevertheless, what about the scientific wealth of the nation? For any country that aspires to achieve faster, more sustainable and inclusive growth, science and technology need to emerge as key drivers of socio-economic development—especially so that it can cater to the healthcare needs of 1.3 billion citizens. For that, the nation needs to exploit unique innovation opportunities for its large and talented pool of scientists, engineers, clinicians, innovators, and start-up entrepreneurs, for achieving the dream of a ‘healthy’ India. Although the biomaterials community of India is increasingly visible for its scientific outputs and research publications, we are still struggling to execute translational research, to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research and to take laboratory scale research to the patient’s bedside. In terms of translational activities in healthcare sector, significant efforts are invested for the biomedical diagnostic and extracorporeal devices, with much less visible efforts on biomaterials, implants, and tissue-engineered scaffolds.

For affordable healthcare diagnostics, the nanotechnology-based skill set, micro-fabrication capabilities, and related engineering capabilities, are particularly explored in the Indian context. Against the above perspective, it is expected that the recommendations laid down in this chapter will usher a new era in the field of biomaterials science, leading to significant translational research on implants. Many of the recommendations will be equally applicable in many of the developing nations around the world. It is emphasised that the translational research on implants demands stringent adherence to strict regulatory protocol. Summaries of relevant conferences, workshops and road-mapping meetings that contributed to the recommendations presented here are given in Appendices D and E, respectively.

Bikramjit Basu

Chapter 7. Closure

Abstract

This chapter portrays the author’s futuristic vision of a bright future of biomaterials science and implants in India. This chapter is followed by the genesis of his set of recommendations, laid down in the previous chapter, as well as a few important pedagogical aspects for the young researchers.

Bikramjit Basu

Backmatter

Titel: Biomaterials Science and Implants
verfasst von: Prof. Dr. Bikramjit Basu
Verlag: Springer Singapore
Electronic ISBN: 978-981-15-6918-0
Print ISBN: 978-981-15-6917-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6918-0

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