Abstract
For decades, biomaterials have been commonly used in medicine for the replacement of human body tissue, precise drug-delivery systems, or as parts of medical devices that are essential for some treatment methods. Due to rapid progress in the field of new materials, updates on the state of knowledge about biomaterials are frequently needed. This article describes the clinical application of different types of biomaterials in the field of otorhinolaryngology, i.e., head and neck surgery, focusing on their antimicrobial properties. The variety of their applications includes cochlear implants, middle ear prostheses, voice prostheses, materials for osteosynthesis, and nasal packing after nasal/paranasal sinuses surgery. Ceramics, such as as hydroxyapatite, zirconia, or metals and metal alloys, still have applications in the head and neck region. Tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-eluting materials, such as polymers and polymer-based composites, are becoming more common. The restoration of life tissue and the ability to prevent microbial colonization should be taken into consideration when designing the materials to be used for implant production. The authors of this paper have reviewed publications available in PubMed from the last five years about the recent progress in this topic but also establish the state of knowledge of the most common application of biomaterials over the last few decades.
Highlights
Biomaterial is any substance or combination of substances, natural or synthetic, that can be used for a period of time, independently or as part of a system which treats, augments, or replaces any tissue, organ, or function of the body [1]
The technology of photo-initiation of some monomers or polymers by UV exists. This technique can be very efficient to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms on medical devices [140]
The most widely used materials in the field of otorhinolaryngology are polymer-based synthetics. They have the potential to be an ideal material in this case, if it is possible to achieve modification of their properties, such as the ability to prevent the growth of microorganisms
Summary
Biomaterial is any substance (other than a drug) or combination of substances, natural or synthetic, that can be used for a period of time, independently or as part of a system which treats, augments, or replaces any tissue, organ, or function of the body [1]. The first application of biomaterial in history is most likely a case that was reported a few centuries after the Common Era of ancient medicine for wound closure. Technological progress allows the development of implants that are based on innovative biomaterials. We can classify biomaterials by their applications, material physicochemical properties, or their interactions with the patient’s tissue. The application of biomaterials in modern medicine is very wide, for example, artificial joints, bone grafts, dental implants, cardiovascular stents, artificial lenses, plastic surgery implants, trauma and reconstructive surgery materials, and
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