Biological Performance of Materials

Focuses on principles of biological performance at a relatively fundamental level, analyzing interactions between living organisms and nonliving materials used in medical devices. This book summarizes the physical properties of commonly used metallic, polymeric, and ceramic biomaterials. Bioengineers need a thorough grounding in biocompatibility - the biological performance of materials. Until now, there were no publications suitable for a neophyte in the field; prior publications were either not comprehensive or focused on rather narrow interests. Drawing on the author's 35 years of experience as a teacher, researcher, and consultant in biomaterials science and engineering (BSE), Biological Performance of Materials: Fundamentals of Biocompatibility, Fourth Edition focuses primarily on principles of biological performance at a relatively fundamental level, analyzing interactions between living organisms and nonliving materials used in medical devices - the subject that sets BSE apart as a distinct field of investigation. Following an introductory section, the book is divided into three sections: the material response to biological systems, host response to biomaterials, and test methods for determining biological response in vitro as well as in animal models and clinical settings. Supplemental "Interparts" summarize the physical properties of commonly used metallic, polymeric, and ceramic biomaterials. They also provide a guide to understanding the clinical performance of implanted biomaterials.

The second edition of this text and reference contains: a chapter on the design and selection of biomaterials for specific applications; new data on drug release as an example of leaching, as well as the effects of surface treatment of biomaterials and surface succession of serum proteins; additional details on mechanical degradation of composite materials, and the mechanisms and kinetics of absorbable materials; recent information on the complement system and relative contributions of chemical, mechanical and electrical factors to local host response; current legal and regulatory developments, such as the Safe Medical Device Act (1990); a new section on mechanisms of metal management in vivo and on chromium metabolism; and chapters on properties of widely-used biomaterials, and on recognizing clinical symptoms referable to biomaterials.