Water's role in human health extends beyond mere hydration; it is a pivotal element in our physiology and a key factor in the development of biomedical materials. This article examines the profound impact of water on the human body and its implications for the performance of biomaterials in medical applications. By understanding the dynamic interactions between human physiological fluids and hydrophilic biomaterials, we can enhance the compatibility and functionality of these materials within the body.
Water is the lifeblood of our existence, making up about 65% of an adult's body mass. This percentage fluctuates throughout our lives, starting at a remarkable 97% in embryos and settling to around 60-65% in adults. Each organ's water content is tailored to its function: blood is 90% water, muscles 75%, the brain and kidneys 83%, lungs 86%, eyes 95%, and even bones are composed of 22% water. The kidneys, for example, depend on water to filter waste from the blood, while the skin requires it to remain supple and healthy.
Gender and body composition also influence water content. Typically, women have a higher body fat percentage and consequently about 5% less body water than men of the same age, as fat tissue contains minimal water.
Water facilitates all biological and chemical processes in the body, including heat production and energy metabolism, which are vital for sustaining life. It is also essential for thermoregulation, enabling the body to maintain a stable temperature by releasing heat through sweat or conserving heat by constricting blood vessels near vital organs.
Dehydration can lead to severe health issues, such as cognitive decline, respiratory difficulties, and compromised organ function. A mere 2% drop in body water can impair short-term memory. Aging is associated with a decrease in cellular water, which can affect organ functionality and manifest as symptoms like nervousness, irritability, and fatigue.
Biomedical materials, including prosthetics and tissue engineering scaffolds, must be compatible with human physiological fluids. These materials' bio-functional and mechanical characteristics can be influenced by the body's extracellular water content.
Research by Aversa et al. (2016) introduced new hybrid materials combining fumed amorphous silica nanoparticles with hydrophilic poly-(hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate) (pHEMA). These materials demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength and stiffness while maintaining transparency. They are engineered to replicate the biomechanical properties of bone, promoting osteoblast growth, which is crucial for bone remodeling and repair.
The mechanical properties of these materials are affected by their interaction with physiological fluids. When immersed in aqueous solutions, they swell, and their shear moduli decrease, indicating a plasticization effect. This response is vital for the materials to emulate the mechanical properties of bone and cartilage, which are dependent on their water content.
The absorption and expansion of biomaterials when in contact with physiological fluids can significantly impact their functionality. For example, the hybrid nanocomposite developed by Aversa et al. absorbs 42-45% of its dry weight in an isotonic water solution, reducing its shear modulus to levels akin to the elasticity of cartilage and ligaments. This adaptability is crucial for the material to adjust to the body's changing conditions.
It is essential to tailor the mechanical properties of these materials to match the target tissue in both dry and swollen states. By comprehending water's role in human physiology and its interaction with biomaterials, scientists can create more effective and biocompatible materials for medical use.
Water is a fundamental element of human physiology, influencing everything from cellular function to organ performance. Its interaction with biomedical materials is equally critical, as it can affect the mechanical and physiological functions of these materials. By adopting a biomimetic and physiological approach, researchers can develop new bioactive materials that better mimic the natural properties of human tissues, leading to enhanced medical treatments and technologies.
For an in-depth discussion of this topic, please refer to the full article at The Scientific World Journal.
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Project HARP
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