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. 2009:8:Doc11.
doi: 10.3205/cto000063. Epub 2011 Mar 10.

Current requirements for polymeric biomaterials in otolaryngology

Katrin Sternberg  1
Affiliations

Current requirements for polymeric biomaterials in otolaryngology

Katrin Sternberg. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009.

Abstract

In recent years otolaryngology was strongly influenced by newly developed implants which are based on both, innovative biomaterials and novel implant technologies. Since the biomaterials are integrated into biological systems they have to fulfill all technical requirements and accommodate biological interactions. Technical functionality relating to implant specific mechanical properties, a sufficiently high stability in terms of physiological conditions, and good biocompatibility are the demands with regard to suitability of biomaterials. The goal in applying biomaterials for implants is to maintain biofunctionality over extended periods of time. These general demands to biomaterials are equally valid for use in otolaryngology. Different classes of materials can be utilized as biomaterials. Metals belong to the oldest biomaterials. In addition, alloys, ceramics, inorganic glasses and composites have been tested successfully. Furthermore, natural and synthetic polymers are widely used materials, which will be in the focus of the current article with regard to their properties and usage as cochlear implants, osteosynthesis implants, stents, and matrices for tissue engineering. Due to their application as permanent or temporary implants materials are differentiated into biostable and biodegradable polymers. The here identified general and up to date requirements for biomaterials and the illustrated applications in otolaryngology emphasize ongoing research efforts in this area and at the same time demonstrate the high significance of interdisciplinary cooperation between natural sciences, engineering, and medical sciences.

Keywords: biomaterials; implants; otolaryngology; polymers.

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Figures

Table 1
Table 1. Survey of important biostable polymers, their characteristics and medical applications.
Table 2
Table 2. Survey on a few important synthetic and biodegradable polymers and their degradation mechanisms, primarily non-enzymatic hydrolysis.
Table 3
Table 3. Survey on a few members of natural and biodegradable polymers, which are degraded enzymatically.
Figure 1
Figure 1. Potential implant modifications for directed control of cell-implant-interaction (schematic).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Scanning electron micrograph of a Dexamethasone filled cavity (left) and a polymer/Dexamethasone coating on a silicone matrix (right).
Figure 3
Figure 3. In vitro release of Dexamethasone from cavities and from polymer coatings with different Dexamethasone contents (15 and 30 w%) into physiological sodium chloride solution at 37°C.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Endosteal electrode (left) and electrode carrier in a petrosal bone model (right).
Figure 5
Figure 5. P(3HB) osteosynthesis plate with fixation pins (left) and surgery status in a rabbit model (right).
Figure 6
Figure 6. Principle of a modular Eustachian tube stent with drug depot for permanent recanalization.
Figure 7
Figure 7. Scanning electron micrograph of an open-celled P(3HB) matrix for tissue engineering of epithelial tissues.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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