Biocompatibility local host response

The second component of biocompatibility is that of material degradation. It is emphasized here that degradation is a component of biocompatibility rather than a separate phenomena. There is still confusion over this since it is often perceived that degradation, which occurs on the material side of the interface, is the counterpart to biocompatibility which is equated with the other (tissue) side. This is not correct since degradation is the counterpart to the local host response, both being contributory to the biocompatibility of the system. 

To explain this in a little more detail, let us consider the evolution of the local host response, which is the third component of biocompatibility, using a model that involves inflammatory and repair processes (7). Whenever a material is implanted into the tissues of the body, there has to be a degree of trauma associated with the insertion process. This will inevitably establish an acute inflammatory response, which is the body s natural defence mechanism to any injury. The inflammation is totally desirable and helpful since it is the precursor to the second phase of the response, which is that of tissue repair. The response to a surgical incision is acute inflammation followed by repair, the consequences of which are a zone of fibrous (collagenous) scar tissue. If a biomaterial is placed within the tissue, this response will be modified by its presence, but the extent to which that modification occurs depends on many factors. 

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