Textured and Porous Materials

Abstract

The use of porous and textured implants to stimulate tissue ingrowth, disrupt fibrosis and promote angiogenesis dates back as far as the 1940s, and is an early example of a tissue engineering-like approach to biomaterials. Device function and placement in the body dictates what material would be most suitable for a particular application. Numerous materials (metals, ceramics, natural and synthetic polymers) can be textured or rendered porous using a wide variety of techniques. The use of textured and porous materials is widespread in medical device applications. Research and development on porous structures continues because of good clinical outcomes, important research findings, and a straightforward regulatory pathway. While a single pore size or textured morphology does not fit all applications, the majority of porous and textured biocompatible materials used in medical devices share the common characteristic of open architectures with interconnecting pores that support nutrient transfer, and promote cell migration and proliferation. Stable integration of the implant with the surrounding host tissue reduces irritation caused by micromotion, and promotes stable fibrovascular tissue ingrowth that promotes healing and minimizes infection.