Advancing Medical Implants, What Is Next for Implant Biocompatibility and Advanced Materials

This capstone project, “Advancing Medical Implants: What Is Next for Implant Biocompatibility and Advanced Materials,” aims to systematically investigate the current landscape and future directions of medical implant technology, focusing on innovations in biocompatibility, advanced materials, and manufacturing processes. The project is driven by the growing need for durable, safe, and accessible implant solutions that can address persistent challenges such as immune-mediated complications, high failure rates, limited integration with biological tissues, and economic barriers to widespread use.

The principal objective of this research is to synthesize recent advancements in implant materials—such as titanium alloys, magnesium-based biodegradable metals, PEEK, bioresorbable polymers, and graphene oxide composites—and to evaluate how these developments are shaping clinical outcomes and patient care. By systematically reviewing 85 peer-reviewed articles alongside emerging trends in additive manufacturing, smart material design, and AI-enabled personalization, the project seeks to identify key gaps and opportunities within the field. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations to guide future research, inform clinical practice, and support the development of next-generation implants that are safe, effective, and equitably accessible across diverse patient populations.