Microwave Processing of Biomaterials for Orthopedic Implants: Challenges and Possibilities

Abstract

Technological advancements have significantly influenced the way patients are treated using innovative materials and methods. Biomaterials play a vital role in selected healthcare segments, where they are used to replace and repair the living tissues of a human body. Heating is involved in the processing of most of the biomaterials, which is carried out by various conventional and advanced techniques. However, these techniques need further advancements to achieve prerequisite product characteristics as well as a reduction in processing time. Microwave material processing has its potential as a time and energy-efficient technique that has been well reported without compromising the quality of the products. However, the application of this technique in biomaterials is largely unexplored. In this article, the developments on various biomaterials used in arthroplasty have been explored along with their processing using microwave energy. Further, challenges involved in their processing with a brief outline of various possibilities have been highlighted.