[Biomaterials].

Abstract

Biomaterials are essential components in the development of artificial organs. Synthetic polymers are widely used for a number of biomedical applications: a) as medical supplies, b) devices to support or replace malfunctioning body parts or c) systems with a local therapeutic function. The design of biomaterials has developped over the past three decades from devices with a mechanical function, over systems with a dedicated function (degradable, drug releasing, surface modified) to devices which are tailor made to interact in a smart way with the biological environment. At present polymers are attractive materials to construct scaffolds for tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine. The material design is adapted to the requirements for cell ingrowth, cell migration, angiogenesis etc. This is mainly controlled by the surface topography and chemistry that play a key role in the interfacial material-cell communication. This remarkable development is the direct result of a multi-disciplinary approach, combining material science with engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, medicine and regulatory guidelines.