Where are Biomaterials Going?
The Health and Life Science Panel of the OSTs Technology Foresight Programme identified this theme in its April 1995 report, and many issues are taken up in Materials Technology Foresight in Biomaterials, published by The Institute of Materials in 1995, which highlights applications of biomaterials in orthopaedics, dental/craniofacial and cardiovascular devices. One summary suggests the materials will move on from first generation solutions, based on bioinert materials, to a second generation of bioactive materials (including surface coatings) which encourage the regeneration of natural tissue, and finally on to a third generation of intelligent adaptive systems. There is much overlap in the loM report with the Berry Report to the NHS Central Research and Development Committee which adds further clinical specialities, utilising biomaterials for urology, wound repair and ophthalmology. Generic themes for biomaterials research and development were given as chemical and biochemical sensor
