Biomaterials Science: Overview and Opportunities with Special Reference to Organic and Polymeric Glow Discharge Pplasma Treatments

摘要

Synthetic materials are widely used in medical practice and in other applications where they interface with biological systems. Materials used for these applications are often referrd to as biomaterials. Books and articles that offer broad overviews of biomaterials science are readily available (1-6). Polymeric biomaterials are found in vascular prostheses, heart valves, p[acemakers, intraocular implants, hip joint prostheses, contact lenses and drug delivery systems, jsut to list a few common examples. Many more examples of polymers used in emdicine and biology are presented in Table 1. Glow discharge plasma treatments have been shown to have considerable promise for the modification of the surfaces of implants to control their interactions with biological systems. This article highlights important principles guiding the application of materials in medicine and biology, opportunities for advanced biomaterials, and the use of glow discharge plasma treatments for the surface modification of biomaterials.