Naidu et al Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics. 2021; 11(1-s):154-161 ISSN: 2250-1177 [154] CODEN (USA): JDDTAO Available online on 15.02.2021 at http://jddtonline.info Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics Open Access to Pharmaceutical and Medical Research © 2011-21, publisher and licensee JDDT, This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted non-commercial use(CC By-NC), provided the original work is properly cited Open Access Full Text Article Review Article An Overview on Biomaterials: Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications Naidu Nikita*, Wadher Kamlesh, Umekar Milind Department of Pharmaceutics, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 441002 Article Info: _____________________________________________ Article History: Received 23 Nov 2020; Review Completed 08 Jan 2021 Accepted 16 Jan 2021; Available online 15 Feb 2021 _____________________________________________ Cite this article as: Naidu N, Wadher K, Umekar M, An Overview on Biomaterials: Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications, Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2021; 11(1-s): 154-161 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v11i1-s.4723 Abstract ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ The development of biomaterials has existed from around half a century and manifests its use in different fields. Biomaterials are used in living creature body, looking on its biocompatibility nature. In recent years, advances of biomaterials are showing a marked presence in the fast growing fields of pharmaceuticals and medicines. According to their availability, different types of biomaterials like metal, ceramic, polymer and their composites are used for several purposes in the body. In this review article, types of biomaterials have been discussed with their advantages, disadvantages and recent applications in the pharmaceutical field such as implants used to mimic the structure and function of tissues, dental implants, wound healing, cell regeneration, regenerative medicines, delivery of drugs and different organ regeneration. Organ regeneration leading to replacement of organs such as heart, trachea and lungs etc. by use of specific biomaterials has been reported with the diagnosis of diseases and its treatment. Keywords: Biomaterial, Polymers, Pharmaceutical applications, Tissue engineering, Drug delivery. *Address for Correspondence: Nikita Naidu, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 441002 INTRODUCTION From the last few decades, biomaterials have marked its presence in the fast advancing pharmaceutical and medical fields. Biomaterials are those materials which are intended to interact with biological living tissue and used for therapeutic and diagnostic purpose. Earlier these materials were only used in medical devices to treat or to replace any tissue or improve the functions of organ. But later it was found that the term non-viable given to them is inappropriate as biomaterials have its application more than just as implanted devices. 1 Biomaterials are a major part of our routine practice in the diagnosis as well as for the treatment of several human diseases. 2 Biomaterials are basically, any materials (Natural or synthetic) that are biologically compatible with the human body and is used to support, enhance, restore or replace the biological function of damaged tissues and is continuously in contact with the body fluids. BASIC FEATURES REQUIRED FOR THE BIOMATERIAL: Since the biomaterials are in direct contact with the body tissues and body fluid, there are some basic features required for the biomaterial such as biocompatibility, inertness, safety, stability, cost effective and easy to fabricate 3 as shown in figure 1 Figure 1: Features of Biomaterials CLASSIFICATION OF BIOMATERIALS 4 Biomaterials can be broadly classified on the basis of its source, such as natural and synthetic biomaterial which can also be further sub-classified as shown in table 1 and figure 2.