What is a disadvantage of using metal as a biomaterial?

Using metal as a biomaterial presents various challenges in the context of tissue engineering, with corrosion being a significant disadvantage. Metals can undergo electrochemical reactions when exposed to bodily fluids, leading to the degradation of the material over time. This corrosion not only compromises the mechanical integrity of the implant but can also result in the release of metal ions, which may be toxic to surrounding tissues and lead to adverse biological responses.

In contrast, low density, great flexibility, and high ductility are generally desirable properties in biomaterials. Low density can improve patient comfort and reduce stress on surrounding tissues, great flexibility allows for better adaptation to dynamic biological environments, and high ductility can prevent fracture by allowing an implant to deform under stress without failing. Corrosion, however, poses a direct risk to the longevity and safety of metal implants, making it a critical factor to consider in their application in the human body.