Advancements in Biocompatible Materials for Implantable Medical Devices

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 4538

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Human Factors Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
Interests: application of biomaterials; biomechanics; wear and fatigue related research in medical devices; mathematical modeling
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Guest Editor
College of Engineering and Computer Science, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
Interests: advanced engineering materials; material property characterization and lifecycle assessment; biomechanics; biomedical engineering; bone biomechanics; mechanical testing; finite element modeling; biomedical devices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advancements in biocompatible materials for implantable medical devices have revolutionized modern healthcare, offering innovative solutions for treating a wide range of medical conditions. These materials are designed to be compatible with the body's natural systems, minimizing the risk of rejection and promoting better integration with surrounding tissues. Over the years, researchers have made significant strides in developing new materials with improved biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and functionality. These advancements have led to the development of safer, more durable, and more effective implantable devices, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. In this context, this Special Issue on "Advancements in Biocompatible Materials for Implantable Medical Devices" will showcase the latest research and innovations in this rapidly evolving field, highlighting the transformative impact of biocompatible materials on modern healthcare. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Novel biocompatible materials for implantable medical devices;
  2. Surface modifications that improve the biocompatibility of implant materials;
  3. Nanostructured materials for enhanced biocompatibility and functionality;
  4. Composite materials that improve the mechanical properties of implants;
  5. In vitro and in vivo studies on biocompatible materials for implants;
  6. Regulatory considerations and standards for biocompatible materials in implantable devices;
  7. Clinical applications and case studies of biocompatible materials in implantable medical devices;
  8. Computational modeling and simulations of biocompatible materials for implants;
  9. Emerging trends and future directions concerning biocompatible materials for implantable medical devices.

This Special Issue welcomes all research areas related to innovative experimental and computational approaches in the development and evaluation of biocompatible materials for implantable medical devices.

Prof. Dr. Tarun Goswami
Dr. Farah Hamandi
Guest Editors

PhD student Anmar Salih
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • clinical engineering
  • biomedical devices
  • cardiovascular engineering
  • biomedical instrumentation
  • biomechanical engineering
  • biomedical modeling
  • biomedical technology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1378 KB  
Article
Effect of Surface Wettability and Energy on Bacterial Adhesion to Dental Aligners: A Comparative In Vitro Study
by A. Martínez Gil-Ortega, M. M. Paz-Cortés, M. J. Viñas, P. Cintora-López, A. Martín-Vacas, J. Gil and J. M. Aragoneses
Bioengineering 2025, 12(9), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12090898 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
The use of orthodontic aligners has increased significantly due to their convenience and esthetic advantages. However, understanding their microbiological behavior and cytotoxicity is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic activity (MA) and proliferation of different bacterial strains—assessed through colony-forming unit (CFU) [...] Read more.
The use of orthodontic aligners has increased significantly due to their convenience and esthetic advantages. However, understanding their microbiological behavior and cytotoxicity is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic activity (MA) and proliferation of different bacterial strains—assessed through colony-forming unit (CFU) counts—as well as the cytotoxicity of three widely used aligner systems: Spark, Invisalign, and Smile. Wettability and surface free energy (both dispersive and polar components) were determined using the sessile drop technique. The bacterial strains Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus gordonii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured, and their behavior on the aligner surfaces was assessed under simulated oral cavity conditions in both aerobic and anaerobic environments using a bioreactor. Cytocompatibility was evaluated with HFF-1 human fibroblasts. Distinct strain-specific behaviors were observed. For Spark aligners, the contact angle was 70.5°, Invisalign 80.6°, and Smile 91.2°, and the surface free energy was 60.8, 66.7, and 74. 2 mJ/m2, respectively, highlighting the high polar component of the Spark aligner of 31.9 mJ/m2 compared to 19.3 and 20.2 mJ/m2 for Invisalign and Smile, respectively. The Spark aligner exhibited the lowest metabolic activity for Streptococcus oralis (23.1%), Actinomyces viscosus (43.2%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (17.7%), and biofilm formation (2.4%), likely due to its higher hydrophilicity. The Smile aligner showed the lowest metabolic activity for Streptococcus gordonii (23.6%) and Enterococcus faecalis (51.1%), attributed to its low polar surface free energy component. CFU counts were minimal for all aligners and bacterial strains, including biofilm. All aligners demonstrated cytocompatibility above 70% (Spark: 71.0%, Invisalign: 75.7%, and Smile: 75.6%). These findings highlight the importance of considering aligner material properties in clinical practice and underscore the need for proper oral hygiene and aligner maintenance. Full article
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25 pages, 7220 KB  
Article
Advancements in Finite Element Modeling for Cardiac Device Leads and 3D Heart Models
by Anmar Salih, Farah Hamandi and Tarun Goswami
Bioengineering 2024, 11(6), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11060564 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
The human heart’s remarkable vitality necessitates a deep understanding of its mechanics, particularly concerning cardiac device leads. This paper presents advancements in finite element modeling for cardiac leads and 3D heart models, leveraging computational simulations to assess lead behavior over time. Through detailed [...] Read more.
The human heart’s remarkable vitality necessitates a deep understanding of its mechanics, particularly concerning cardiac device leads. This paper presents advancements in finite element modeling for cardiac leads and 3D heart models, leveraging computational simulations to assess lead behavior over time. Through detailed modeling and meshing techniques, we accurately captured the complex interactions between leads and heart tissue. Material properties were assigned based on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards and in vivo exposure data, ensuring realistic simulations. Our results demonstrate close agreement between experimental and simulated data for silicone insulation in pacemaker leads, with a mean force tolerance of 19.6 N ± 3.6 N, an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 6.3 MPa ± 1.15 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 125% ± 18.8%, highlighting the effectiveness of simulation in predicting lead performance. Similarly, for polyurethane insulation in ICD leads, we found a mean force of 65.87 N ± 7.1 N, a UTS of 10.7 MPa ± 1.15 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 259.3% ± 21.4%. Additionally, for polyurethane insulation in CRT leads, we observed a mean force of 53.3 N ± 2.06 N, a UTS of 22.11 MPa ± 0.85 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 251.6% ± 13.2%. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between mechanical properties, further validating the simulation models. Classification models constructed using both experimental and simulated data exhibited high discriminative ability, underscoring the reliability of simulation in analyzing lead behavior. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve cardiac device lead design and optimize patient outcomes. Full article
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