Biomaterials Science and Biocompatibility

Biomedical Engineering Program between Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey entitled "e;Biopolymers"e; and "e;Patho- biology"e; during the past 15 years. It is our hope that this book will provide the reader with all the infor- mation necessary to understand the complexity of the biological reactions that are set into motion by implantation of a material or a device. We hope that this book will provide a framework for thinking about implant interactions with bio- logical systems. Although the field of studying pathobiological responses to im- plants is still in its infancy, we are now more aware of acute and chronic con- ditions that generate inflammatory responses as a result of wear debris, activation of complement, and acute hypersensitivity. As we learn more concerning these responses, it is hoped that our ability to design implants will also improve. We encourage readers to send to us any suggestions of additional topics that they would like to see covered in our book. Frederick H. Silver David L.