Effects of the chemical structure and the surface properties of polymeric biomaterials on their biocompatibility.
Polymeric biomaterials have extensively been used in medicinal applications. However, factors that determine their biocompatibility are still not very clear. This article reviews various effects of the chemical structure and the surface properties of polymeric biomaterials on their biocompatibility, including protein adsorption, cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, blood compatibility, and tissue compatibility. Understanding these aspects of biocompatibility is important to the improvement of the biocompatibility of existing polymers and the design of new biocompatible polymers.
Wang
You-Xiong
YX
Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA. youwang@vt.edu
Robertson
John L
JL
Spillman
William B
WB
Claus
Richard O
RO
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D015394:Molecular Structure; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers