Dental and orthopedic devices

The first SMP, polynorbomene, was developed by CdF Chime company, France, in 1984 and commercialized by Nippon Zeon Company of Japan under the trade name of Norsorex. In 1991, polynorbomene was reported by Nakasima et al. in orthodontic applications (Nakasima, Hu, Ichinose, Shimada, 1991). The conventional elastic materials used in orthodontic treatment failed to provide a long-lasting, accurate force. With its transition temperature at 35 °C, close to body temperature, polynorbomene exhibited much less deformation at 37 °C over time compared with other orthodontic plastic modules. When apphed intraorally, the SMP produced the force gradually and 

One patent was found to use SMPs for fabricating a new type of fixed and ranoved orthodontic apparatus (Mather, Liu, Burstone, 2006). The proposed orthodontic devices fabricated from SMPs include ligatures, self-ligating brackets, force modules, torque modules, removable ahgner appliances, arch wires, etc. Compared to the traditional materials, the SMP orthodontic devices allowed for easier and more comfortable orthodontic operation for the orthodontist to insert into the patient s mouth, caused less pain to the patient, provided a more aesthetically appeahng appliance during the treatment, as well as the ability to be produced at low cost. 

Switchable and Responsive Surfaces and Materials for Biomedical Applications 

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Utilization of cell-specific peptide sequences in biomaterials enables the selective adhesion of certain cell types, even in the presence of a mixture of many cell types. As mentioned earlier, REDV promotes the adhesion of endothelial cells, but not other vascular cell types (Hubbell et al., 1991). This selectivity has great potential for endothelialization of vascular devices, where the growth of an endothelial cells, but not fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells, is desired. Another peptide sequence, KRSR, has been shown to selectively promote the adhesion of osteoblasts, which is useful in the rational design of better dental and orthopedic biomaterials (Dee et al., 1998). 

In-Vivo Percutaneous Implant Experiment. The principle of percutaneous attachment has extensive application in many biomedical areas, including the attachment of dental and orthopedic prostheses directly to skeletal structures, external attachment for cardiac pacer leads, neuromuscular electrodes, energy transmission to artificial heart and for hemodialysis. Several attempts to solve the problem of fixation and stabilization of percutaneous implants(19) have been made. Failures were also attributed to the inability of the soft tissue interface to form an anatomic seal and a barrier to bacteria. In the current studies, the effect of pore size on soft tissue ingrowth and attachment to porous polyurethane (PU) surface and the effect of the flange to stem ratio and biomechanical compliance on the fixation and stabilization of the percutaneous devices have been investigated.(20)... 

Implants for controlled release of drugs (nonbiodegradable) Implantable biosensor-drug delivery system Microfiuidics device for drug delivery Controlled-release microchip Implants that could benefit from local drug release Vascular stents coronary, carotid, and peripheral vascular Ocular implants Dental implants Orthopedic implants... 

Orthopedic and dental implant materials bioceramics, 145-146 chemical modifications, 147-148 comparing mechanical properties of, and bone, 146 conventional, 127 costs, 126-127 current materials, 145-148 fate of implanted device, 140-141 integration into surrounding tissue, 127 integrin expression on osteoblasts, 144 integrins, 143-144 metals, ceramics, and polymers, 145 next generation, 127,148-159... 

Corrosion of metallic surgical implant materials used in orthopedic, cardiovascular, and dental devices resulting in the release of metal ions to tissues, and degradation of the physical properties of polymeric implant materials due to interactions with tissue fluids and/or blood... 

Transparency Market Research (2014) Biomaterials Market for Implantable Devices (Material Type - Metals, Polymers, Ceramics and Natural, Applications - Cardiology, Orthopedics, Dental, Ophthalmology and Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019. 

Other biomedical applications of polymers include sustained and controlled drug delivery formulations for implantation, transdermal and trans-cornealuses, intrauterine devices, etc. (6, 7). Major developments have been reported recently on the use of biomaterials for skin replacement (8), reconstruction of vocal cords (9), ophthalmic applications such as therapeutic contact lenses, artificial corneas, intraocular lenses, and vitreous implants (10), craniofacial, maxillofacial, and related replacements in reconstructive surgery (I), and neurostimulating and other electrical-stimulating electrodes (I). Orthopedic applications include artificial tendons (II), prostheses, long bone repair, and articular cartilage replacement (I). Finally, dental materials and implants (12,13) are also often considered as biomaterials. 

MAJOR APPLICATIONS L-PLA is Used as sutures and dental, orthopedic, and drug delivery devices. D,L-PLA is used mainly for drug delivery. Both are of interest in the area of tissue engineering. 

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