The growth of biomaterials is not a new area of science, having existed for around half a century. The study of biomaterials is called biomaterial science. Biomaterials are used to make devices to replace a part or a function of the body in safe, reliably economically, and physiologically acceptable manner. A variety of devices and materials are used in the treatment of disease or injury. Biomaterial science encompasses elements of medicine, biology, chemistry, tissue engineering and materials science.