Biocompatible materials, classification

In this way a new classification of fibrous materials has to be set up with a biocompatibility perspective in order to focus on the ultimate goal of fibrous substitute whole biointegration. 

Figure 11.1 shows the accepted classification of biocompatibility for medical devices under Japanese regulation. Although biocompatibility is represented by the total balance of bulk and surface properties, in most cases, surface properties dominate during initial bioreactions at the material-body interface and bulk properties become evident relatively in the long term. The bulk properties of a device are typically determined by mechanical or design factors. For example, a hip joint should be continuously usable for at least a decade without abrasion (mechanical/design compatibility), and an artificial vessel... 

Biocompatibility, summarized in Fig. 3, can be divided largely into bulk biocompatibility, in which the bulk properties of materials are important, and interfacial biocompatibility, in which the surface of materials relates to the problem. In the following, the biocompatibility of hydrogels will be explained according to the classifications as shown in Fig. 3. 

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