Human Biomaterials Applications

Nineteen cutting-edge articles by leading practitioners review critical issues concerning biocompatible materials-polymers, metals, and other materials-used in or on the human body. Topics range from biopolymers used in controlled release drug delivery systems and synthetic burn-wound dressings to specific orthopedic devices. Each application-oriented article integrates basic science, engineering and medical experience with discussions of quality control. The contributors offer a wealth of valuable data and experience to materials scientists, research engineers, and academic physicians and surgeons. Their many examples provide rich insights into our experience today with a broad spectrum of modern biomaterials applications.

Jeremy L. Gilbert

This book presents applications of materials to medical devices ranging from orthopedics to vascular applications to skin repair applications. It is structured toward medical device applications and as such, provides specialists with direct access to inform-nation concerning a particular device and the materials used. The purpose of the book is to provide the reader with the current state of knowledge of specific materials used in specific applications. This is a useful approach for providing those with a basic background more detailed and in-depth analysis of materials and devices. This book is written for specialists in biomaterials research and basic scientists and clinicians involved in various aspects of biomaterials science. Each chapter is written by selected authors who are themselves researchers and experts in their respective fields. There are many useful and good quality illustrations, micrographs, and tables in this book. Similarly, each chapter has many references that are up-to-date. Overall, this book is of high quality, with perhaps a few photomicrographs of marginal quality. This book provides an excellent resource for those interested in a detailed summary of research work in the areas of biomaterials and medical devices. Each chapter is complete and informative. Although not all subjects relating to biomaterials are presented, those that are, are well done. This book is recommended for those who have active biomaterials research interests and is a useful reference source.

Wise, Donald L., PhD (Northeastern Univ); Trantolo, Debra J., PhD (Cambridge Scientific, Inc.); Altobelli, David E., DMD, MD (Harvard Univ); Yaszemski, Michael J., MD, PhD (USAF Academy); Gresser, Joseph D., PhD (Cambridge Scientific, Inc.)

The contributors represent the specialties of orthopedic surgery, chemical engineering, chemistry, and surgery. Most are from universities and research institutions in the U.S., Japan, China, and the U.K. Institutions prominently represented include Univ of Pittsburgh, Medical Coll of South Carolina, Harvard, and Osaka Univ.