Biocompatibility determination

Silver has been used as antibacterial on cotton and artificial fibers such as polyester, polyamide, and wound pads, thin polymer films such as polyethylene. Silver biocide surfaces are the strongest growth segment in medical and health-care apphcafions. The silver ion-release kinetics ° over extended operational times and low cytotoxicity (biocompatibility) determine its effective use when deposited onto antibacterial surfaces.The nanoparticles of Ag exhibit bacterial and fungicidal properties. They can accumulate on the cell wall of bacteria and release Ag ions that penetrate into cells through the wall porins owing to their small size. ... 

Biocompatibility determines the interface reactions of blood and tissue cells with the surface of the biomaterial. In this context, the term hemocompatibility mainly refers to blood component reactions during contact with the biomaterial [202]. It is of great importance to test various polymer characteristics in detail before developing the elaborated design for in vivo application. Over the past years, a variety of methods have been established to determine hemo- and biocompatibility of polymer implants. In this chapter a summary of standardized and new methods is provided. 

J. Hermansson, A. Grahn and I. Hermansson, Direct injection of large volumes of plasma/semm of a new biocompatible exti action column for the determination of atenolol, propanolol and ibuprofen . Mechanisms for the improvement of clrromato-grapliic performance , J. Chromatogr. A 797 251-263 (1998). 

A surface is that part of an object which is in direct contact with its environment and hence, is most affected by it. The surface properties of solid organic polymers have a strong impact on many, if not most, of their apphcations. The properties and structure of these surfaces are, therefore, of utmost importance. The chemical stmcture and thermodynamic state of polymer surfaces are important factors that determine many of their practical characteristics. Examples of properties affected by polymer surface stmcture include adhesion, wettability, friction, coatability, permeability, dyeabil-ity, gloss, corrosion, surface electrostatic charging, cellular recognition, and biocompatibility. Interfacial characteristics of polymer systems control the domain size and the stability of polymer-polymer dispersions, adhesive strength of laminates and composites, cohesive strength of polymer blends, mechanical properties of adhesive joints, etc. 

Applicability in biological ion assay is an important factor for biocompatible potentio-metric ion sensors. Attempts were made to determine Na" " concentrations in human blood sera by using silicone-rubber membrane Na+-ISFETs based on (5) [Fig. 17(a)] [29]. The found values for Na concentration in undiluted, 10-fold diluted, and 100-fold diluted serum samples are in good agreement with the Na" " calibration plots. Even in the undiluted serum samples, only a slight potential shift was observed from the calibration. This indicates that the calixarene-based silicone-rubber-membrane Na+-ISFETs are reliable on serum Na assay. For comparison with the silicone-rubber membrane, Na -ISFETs with corresponding plasticized-PVC membrane containing (2) or (5) were also tested for the Na assay. The found values of Na" " concentration... 

Biocompatibility. The analysis of polymer implants has been employed using FTIR spectroscopy to elucidate the long-term biocompatibility and quality control of biomedical materials. This method of surface analysis allows the determination of the specific molecular composition and structures most appropriate for long-term compatibility in humans. 

Drug Release from PHEMA-l-PIB Networks. Amphiphilic networks due to their distinct microphase separated hydrophobic-hydrophilic domain structure posses potential for biomedical applications. Similar microphase separated materials such as poly(HEMA- -styrene-6-HEMA), poly(HEMA-6-dimethylsiloxane- -HEMA), and poly(HEMA-6-butadiene- -HEMA) triblock copolymers have demonstrated better antithromogenic properties to any of the respective homopolymers (5-S). Amphiphilic networks are speculated to demonstrate better biocompatibility than either PIB or PHEMA because of their hydrophilic-hydrophobic microdomain structure. These unique structures may also be useful as swellable drug delivery matrices for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs due to their amphiphilic nature. Preliminary experiments with theophylline as a model for a water soluble drug were conducted to determine the release characteristics of the system. Experiments with lipophilic drugs are the subject of ongoing research. 

The effect of the material on cellular metabolism is also an important measure of biocompatibility. To determine such effects, cultured ex vivo cells can be exposed to the polymer and the growth rates compared to controls [216,217], The metabolic function of the cells can be tested by assay for production of a marker enzyme. An additional advantage of this type of test is that it avoids the use of live animals. 

Although the biocompatibility and biodegradability of these materials were rapidly determined, the bioactivity of Si02-PCL hybrid materials was not studied until recently [99]. In order to provide bioactivity to Si02-PCL hybrid materials, Rhee prepared triethoxysilane end-capped poly(s-caprolactone) which was then cocondensed with tetraethyl orthosilicate and calcium nitrate via the sol-gel method. The Ca-containing PCL/silica hybrid so obtained showed in vitro bioactivity and biodegradability. The hybridization procedure between the a,co-hydroxyl PCL and silica phases was proposed to be as follows ... 

The first aspect of biocompatibility is a natural immune response. When a foreign object enters the blood stream, it can be attacked by the body s defense system. The first step is protein adsorption on an object surface. It is believed that the amount and type of protein adsorption is one of the most important steps determining whether the object is tolerated or rejected by the body. The next step is cell adhesion, which may cause aggregation and activation of platelets and triggering of the blood coagulation system with resulting thrombus formation. It may not only lead to sensor failure via surface blocking but directly threatens the patient s health. 

To treat hollow dialysis fibers the fluorine gas was passed through the inside ofthe capillaries (Figure 17.3). By flow stream measurements the exact amount of gas that entered the capillaries could be determined. The treatment time and the fluorine concentration was measured to determine possible effects on the main biocompatibility properties.7,8... 

Determination of the exact mechanism leading to cellular internalisation of CNTs is considered very important in their development as components of biomedical devices and therapeutics intended for implantation or administration to patients. One of the most important parameters in all such studies is the type of nanotubes used, determined by the process by which they are made biocompatible. Interactions with cells have to be performed using biocompatible CNTs, achieved by either covalent or noncovalent surface functionalisation that results in water-dispersible CNTs. A variety of different functionalisation strategies for CNTs have been reported by different groups, therefore direct comparisons are often hampered by the inability to correlate experimental conditions. 

Newly developed injectable CNTs will require both in vitro and in vivo testing to determine biocompatibility, blood compatibility, mechanical stability, and safety (Pearce et al., 2007). Here, we review the current articles on toxicity of CNTs and in vivo barriers. 

For example a polymer s interfacial characteristics determine chemical and physical properties such as permeability, wettability, adhesion, friction, wear and biocompatibility. " However polymers frequently lack the optimum surface properties for these applications. Consequently surface modification techniques have become increasingly desirable in technological applications of polymers. - ... 

Tamponade media are classic medical devices. The general requirement for an approval of such a product is the conformation of the non-toxicity as an important part of the biocompatibility. There are detailed guidelines available which determine the tests necessary, dependent on the intended use of the product. 

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