Design and development of metallic biomaterials with biological and mechanical biocompatibility.

In the present article, the recent trends in the research and development of metallic biomaterials are discussed with focus on the results obtained by the author's group. The design of biocompatible metallic biomaterials possessing excellent biological and mechanical properties, including titanium alloys with low Young's modulus, is reviewed with focus on Young's modulus, fatigue strength, and peculiar behavior. The evaluation of biological compatibility including cell viability and living tissue compatibility using animal models and surface modifications using bioactive ceramic and blood-compatible polymers are summarized.