Across operating theatres and research labs, engineers and clinicians face a persistent practical question: which materials can reliably support tissues, restore function, and last inside the body without provoking adverse reactions? Metals and ceramics remain foundational in implant design, each offering a distinct set of mechanical and biological characteristics. This feature examines how these two…

In recent years, bioceramics have moved from niche material science curiosities into the mainstream of medical innovation. Once valued mainly for their inert, load-bearing roles, modern bioceramics now perform a range of biological, structural, and even diagnostic functions. From customized bone scaffolds to implantable theranostic systems, these engineered ceramics are enabling clinicians and researchers to…