Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Biopolymer Composites for Use in Biomedical Implant Devices

Abstract

Biopolymer composites have gained significant attention in biomedical engineering due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical tunability, making them promising candidates for next-generation implantable devices. However, the gap between laboratory-scale fabrication and clinically reliable performance limits their widespread adoption. This study explores the systematic fabrication, structural optimization, and mechanical characterization of biopolymer composites intended for orthopedic, dental, and soft-tissue implants. Fabrication involved blending natural and synthetic biopolymers with bioactive reinforcements to improve strength, stiffness, and long-term stability. Mechanical behavior was assessed under tensile, compressive, flexural, fatigue, and impact conditions to evaluate suitability for load-bearing and semi-load-bearing applications. Microstructural imaging and degradation experiments further revealed how reinforcement dispersion and polymer crystallinity influence performance. Results show that tailored composite formulations can achieve mechanical properties comparable to conventional implant
materials while offering superior biological integration and reduced risk of inflammatory response. This work strengthens the scientific foundation for developing safe, durable, and clinically viable biopolymer- based implants that align with future biomedical advancements and personalized medicine.