A biomaterial is today described as a substance that has been designed to take a shape that is utilised to steer the course of any therapeutic or diagnostic treatment by controlling interactions with components of biological systems, either alone or as part of a complex system.
In medical language, a biomaterial is defined as "any natural or synthetic material (including polymer or metal) intended for introduction into live tissue, particularly as part of a medical device or implant" (for example joint or artificial heart valve).
Biomaterials are defined as "materials that have certain new features that allow them to come into direct contact with living tissue without provoking any harmful immune rejection reactions" from a healthcare perspective.
Apart from biodevices and implants, biomaterials have proven usefulness in other healthcare-related sectors including diagnostic kits, disposable medical devices, polymeric therapies, and so on.