Sapphire glass, as a high-performance material, has gradually attracted attention in the biomedical field due to its physical and chemical properties. Its biocompatibility performance is particularly outstanding, making it an important choice for implantable medical devices and wearable devices. This article will explore the biocompatibility characteristics of sapphire glass.

The main component of sapphire glass is aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O3), which has high hardness and wear resistance. Its Mohs hardness reaches level 9, which enables it to effectively resist scratches and wear during daily use, making it particularly suitable for medical devices that require long-term implantation. In terms of biocompatibility, the surface of sapphire glass is smooth and dense, making it difficult to adsorb proteins and other biomolecules, thereby reducing the risk of foreign body reactions. At the same time, its chemical properties are stable, and it will not corrode or degrade in physiological environments, nor will it release harmful ions, making it an ideal material for long-term implantation applications.

In the field of medical devices, the application of sapphire glass is mainly concentrated in several aspects. Firstly, there are artificial joints and bone repair materials. Due to its high hardness and wear resistance, it is used to manufacture load-bearing surfaces for artificial hip and knee joints. Next is dental implants. Sapphire glass implants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also have good biocompatibility with gingival tissue, reducing the incidence of inflammatory reactions. In addition, it is used as a packaging material in implantable electronic devices such as pacemakers and nerve stimulators, effectively protecting internal electronic components from liquid erosion.

In the field of wearable medical devices, the application of sapphire glass is becoming increasingly widespread. Smart watches and health monitoring devices often use sapphire glass as the mirror material, which not only enhances the durability of the product, but more importantly ensures the safety of long-term contact with the skin. Sapphire glass does not cause skin allergies or irritation, which is particularly important for health monitoring devices that require 24-hour wear. Some microfluidic chips based on sapphire glass are used for real-time monitoring of bodily fluid indicators such as blood glucose and lactate levels. These devices require direct contact with bodily fluids, and sapphire glass is used due to its biological inertness.

It is worth noting that the biocompatibility of sapphire glass is not only reflected in the material itself, but also in its surface treatment technology. Through surface modification techniques such as plasma treatment and nanostructure modulation, the compatibility between sapphire glass and biological tissues can be further enhanced. For example, sapphire surfaces with micro nano composite structures can promote the adhesion and growth of specific cells while inhibiting the formation of fibrous tissue, thereby improving the integration effect between implants and surrounding tissues. This technology is expected to play an important role in bone repair and soft tissue regeneration.

Sapphire glass is becoming an important material in the field of biomedical engineering due to its biocompatibility and physicochemical properties. From implantable medical devices to wearable devices, from dental implants to minimally invasive surgeries, the application of sapphire glass continues to expand.