This book introduces a subject that has profound impact on human health and considerable economic importance. The issues addressed include the biology, medical applications, markets, regulation, and ethical issues involved in biomaterials science. This spectrum of issues reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

Table of Contents:
B.D. Ratner,<$> Biomaterials Science: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor. Materials Science and Engineering--Properties of Materials: J.E. Lemons,<$> Introduction. F.W. Cooke,<$> Bulk Properties of Materials. B.D. Ratner,<$> Surface Properties of Materials. Classes of Materials Used in Medicine:<$> A.S. Hoffman,<$> Introduction. J.B. Brunski,<$> Metals. S.A. Visser, R.W. Hergenrother, and S.L. Cooper,<$> Polymers. N.A. Peppas,<$> Hydrogels. J. Kohnand R. Langer,<$> Bioresorbable and Bioerodible Materials. L.L. Hench,<$> Ceramics, Glasses, and Glass Ceramics. I.V. Yannas,<$> Natural Materials. H. Alexander,<$> Composites. B.D. Ratner and A.S. Hoffman,<$> Thin Films, Grafts, and Coatings. S.W. Shalaby,<$> Fabrics. A.S. Hoffman,<$> Biologically Functional Materials. Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine--Some Background Concepts:<$> B.D. Ratner,<$> Introduction. T.A. Horbett,<$> Proteins: Structure, Properties, and Adsorptionto Surfaces. J.M. Schakenraad,<$> Cells: Their Surfaces and Interactions with Materials. F.J. Schoen,<$> Tissues. Host Reactions to Biomaterials and Their Evaluations:<$> F.J. Schoen,<$> Introduction. J.M. Anderson,<$> Inflammation, WoundHealing, and the Foreign Body Response. R.J. Johnson,<$> Immunology and the Complement System. K. Merritt,<$> Systemic Toxicity and Hypersensitivity. S.R. Hanson and L.A. Harker,<$> Blood Coagulation and Blood–Materials Interaction. F.J.Schoen,<$> Tumorigenesis and Biomaterials. A.G. Gristina and P.T. Naylor,<$> Implant-Associated Infection. Testing Biomaterials:<$> B.D. Ratner,<$> Introduction. S.J. Northup, In Vitro<$> Assessment of Tissue Compatibility. M. Spector and P.A. Lalor, In Vivo<$> Assessment of Tissue Compatibility. S. Hanson and B.D. Ratner,<$> Testing of Blood–Material Interactions. B.H. Vale, J.E. Willson, and S.M. Niemi,<$> Animal Models. Degradation of Materials in the Biological Environment:<$> B.D. Ratner,<$> Introduction. A.J. Coury,<$> Chemical and Biochemical Degradation of Polymers. D.F. Williams and R.L. Williams,<$> Degradative Effects of the Biological Environment on Metals and Ceramics. C.R. McMillin,<$> Mechanical Breakdown in the Biological Environment. Y. Pathak, F.J. Schoen, and R.J. Levy,<$> Pathologic Calcification of Biomaterials. Application of Materials in Medicine and Dentistry:<$> J.E. Lemons,<$> Introduction. D. Didisheim and J.T. Watson,<$> Cardiovascular Applications. S.W. Kim,<$> Nonthrombogenic Treatments and Strategies. J.E. Lemons,<$> Dental Implants. D.C. Smith,<$> Adhesives and Sealants. M.F. Refojo,<$> Ophthalmologic Applications. J.L. Katz,<$> Orthopedic Applications. J. Heller,<$> Drug Delivery Systems. D. Goupil,<$> Sutures. J.B. Kane, R.G. Tompkins, M.L. Yarmush, and J.F. Burke,<$> Burn Dressings. L.S. Robblee and J.D. Sweeney,<$> Bioelectrodes. P. Yager,<$> Biomedical Sensors and Biosensors. Artificial Organs:<$> F.J. Schoen,<$> Introduction. K.D. Murray and D.B. Olsen,<$> Implantable Pneumatic Artificial Hearts. P. Malchesky,<$> Extracorporeal Artificial Organs. Practical Aspects of Biomaterials--Implants and Devices:<$> F.J. Schoen,<$> Introduction. J.B. Kowalski and R.F. Morrissey,<$> Sterilization of Implants. L.M. Graham, D. Whittlesey, and B. Bevacqua,<$> Cardiovascular Implantation. A.N. Cranin, M. Klein, and A. Sirakian,<$> Dental Implantation. S.A. Obstbaum,<$> Ophthalmic Implantation. A.E. Hoffman,<$> Implant and Device Failure. B.D. Ratner,<$> Correlations of Material Surface Properties with Biological Responses. J.M. Anderson,<$> Implant Retrieval and Evaluation. New Products and Standards:<$> J.E. Lemons,<$> Introduction. S.A. Brown,<$> Voluntary Consensus Standards. N.B. Mateo,<$> Product Development and Regulation. B. Ratner,<$> Perspectives and Possibilities in Biomaterials Science. Appendix:<$> S. Slack,<$> Properties of Biological Fluids. Subject Index.