The course gives a general overview of important biological structure of importance in biomedical context. Implants of the future will be better adapted to biological function. Biocomposites in nature and as implants are covered. The structure-property-function relationships in biological polymers and composites is presented and discussed. The micromechanics of composites. Hierarchical structures and biomimetic. The biological composites in tensile materials and strong fibers. The ceramic composites such as bone and teeth. The pliant composites such as skin, muscle. The role of different biopolymers in the composites (proteins, lipids, mucopolysaccharides and polysaccharides). Man-made composites as implants. Constituents, preparation (physical and chemical processing aspects), structure and properties. Classes of implants. Long-term properties and biological, chemical and mechanical compatibility. Case studies in implants.
KF2370 Biological Composites and Implants 7.5 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Autumn 2018
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedInformation per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus KF2370 (Autumn 2019–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
The student shall after completed course be able to:
- Describe considerations in the development of implants
- Describe existing biomaterial applications in structural repair such as in bone repair and orthopaedics
- Explain and analyse the biopolymer function in biocomposites and implants
- Explain the concepts of biomimetics and its possible role in implants
- Explain and evaluate the micromechanics of biocomposites
- Analyse biological composites by describing, explaining and evaluating the constituents of biocomposites from structure to properties using hierarchial level principles
- Propose and validate biocomposites for new implants
- Conduct literature and patent surveys on implant applications.
- Analyse the compiled literature and patent information and suggest additional work.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Biomaterials Science-An introduction to Materials in Medicin, 2nd Ed., B. Ratner, A. S. Hoffman, F. J. Schoen, J. E. Lemons, Elsevier Academic Press, 2004.
Structural Biological Materials-Design and Structure-Property Relationships, M. Elices (Ed.), Elsevier, 2000.
Structural Biomaterials, J. Vincent, Princeton University Press, 1990
Mechanical design in organisms, S. A. Wainwright, W.D. Biggs, J. D. Currey and J. M. Gosline, Princeton University Press, 1982
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN2 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN3 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN4 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Active participation in all compulsory activities as specified in Course information.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Supplementary information
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