WEBINAR, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

Dr. D. Ganesh Kumar, HOD/BME gives the welcome address, Ms. Lavanyashree (II BME) BMESI office bearer introduced the industry expert Ms. Geetha Subramani, Co-Founder & CRO, MedCuore Medical Solutions Pvt. Ltd Chennai. The expert introduced about her company's profile and clearly describe the tissue engineering needs and its current developments. Selection of biomaterials consider suitability of processing techniques, biocompatibility, patient comfort or acceptance, surgical or clinical considerations, FDA considerations, sterilization cost, and materials availability. In addition, following factors need to be considered: Length of implantations, physiological environment around the implantation, response of materials to body environment, function properties and aesthetics. Common polymers used in biomedical applications are Collagen, keratin, gelatin, sodium alginate, poly (lactic acid), polyglycolide, silicones, poly (methyl methacrylate) and similar acrylates and UH MW Polyethylene. Bulk modulus (GPA) and tensile strength of many polymers were compared. Advantages of UHMW PE in medical devices were highlighted. The uses and properties of many polymers used in medical devices were presented. She explained and elaborated on joint replacement devices. She also described in details the total hip arthroplasty. She presented the pros and cons of various metals used for tissue engineering applications. She reviewed briefly about wound dressing biomaterials and nanofibres used in these applications. She explained the stent grafts and vascular grafts in cardiac Tissue Engineering. She summarized the webinar as biomedical plastics is a growing field, there will always be a need for plastics in medical devices. Understanding of basic material properties and functionary requirements in human body are essential for development of these devices. Mr. Vishnu (III BME) gives the vote of thanks.