Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
by the postoperative reactions observed by the pioneering surgeons in
the field of biomaterials. They studied and reported on the influence of
the material reaction on the living system functions such as the
coagulation system, the inflammatory response, the immunity defense
system, etc. Secondary effects having no desired and even dangerous
consequences on the health of the patient were identified and
differentiated: the effects of the biomaterial on the host - leakage of
sub-products or simple contact leading to inflammation, allergy,
necrosis of the tissues, generation of wear debris responsible for
chronicity of the inflammatory response, general toxicity of different
products or materials and infection - and the effects of the host
environment on the biomaterial-degradation, corrosion, wear,
cracking, solubilization, aging, etc.
Then, biomaterials could be “classified” as a particular category of
materials needing specific properties for different applications in
medicine. All the studies, information and the amount of experience
from scientists and medical personnel showed that serious controls of
the material (quality, purity, toxicity) and the perfect understanding of
the consequences of an implantation were needed to prevent failure.
This led to the building of the concept of “biocompatibility”, which
represents the required properties of a biomaterial for its use in the
biological environment: the elaboration of a biomaterial cannot be
disconnected from the notion of biocompatibility. In the same manner,
any biomaterial has to be conceived bearing in mind its sterilization
process.
4.2. Definitions of “biocompatibility”
4.2.1.
Introduction to biocompatibility
Biocompatibility is composed of the required properties that any
biomaterial has to exhibit when implanted in the living tissues of a
human body. It represents the ability of the material to coexist in
contact with the tissues without causing deleterious effects that could
compromise the health and function of the tissues. Nevertheless,
depending on the use of biomaterials - short or long term, invading or
