Biocompatibility and Biomedical Applications

Plastics to be implanted in a body have to exhibit a number of specific properties without reacting with surrounding tissue or the body. They often exhibit physical (swelling, change in crystallinity) and chemical changes. One consequence not to be underestimated, in particular for long-term implants, is the reduction in mechanical properties [32]. 

Biocompatibility is another essential aspect. It means compatibility between a technical and a biological system. It includes structural compatibility, surface compatibility, as well as blood compatibility [954]. 

Structural compatibility refers to adaptation of the implant structure to the mechanical behavior of the receptor tissue. This includes both the shape (design) 

Every implant excites a reaction in receptor tissue that occurs mainly at the interface between implant and tissue. Here we distinguish between 

Standardized testing methods for the determination of biocompatibility are available (see Section 2.6.4). These tests were developed in order to quickly detect whether a material has any negative influence on the biological environment or whether it can be used for more extensive investigations. The closer the test corresponds to physiological conditions in the human body, the better the observed reactions can be transferred. Thus tests for implant materials are performed according to the following steps 

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