Abstract
Biomaterials have been utilized in healthcare applications a number of
times. Nowadays, subsequent evolution and the increase in the life expectancy of
world’s population have made biomaterials more attractive and versatile, and have
increased their utility. Concerning the manufacturing of medical devices and pharmacy,
the development of new biomaterials, new manufacturing methods and techniques has
always been the researchers’ focus. Recently, nanotechnology and nanomedicine have
attracted a great deal of attention, which would further enhance the use of biomaterials
in medical devices and pharmacy. In the development of medical devices and
pharmacy, the selection of the proper material to be used is of utmost importance. This
chapter aims to provide a review of the most used biomaterials. After an explanation of
what biomaterials are and what defines them, a more in-depth approach to the major
types of biomaterials is presented, such as metal, polymer, ceramic, and composites;
also, the advantages and disadvantages of biomaterials, their main characteristics, and
preferred applications in the area of medical devices and pharmacy are discussed.