Biomaterial-Tissue Interfaces: Proceedings of the Ninth European Conference on Biomaterials, Chester, U.K., September 9-11, 1991 (Advances in , V)

Biomaterial-Tissue Interfaces, reflects not only the dominant theme of biomaterials research at present, but also the importance attached by the editors to understanding the events that occur at the interface where biomaterial meets tissue. The book is based on papers presented at the 9th Conference of the European Society of Biomaterials. The structure of the conference was slightly unconventional as it contained a number of dedicated sessions where the subject matter was chosen in advance and a number of leading research groups were invited to present their most recent work. Also included is a summary of the discussions which took place at the 2nd Consensus Conference on Definitions in Biomaterials. Definitions agreed upon are detailed together with the votes cast and the arguments which precipitated these definitions. At present there is little agreement as to what constitutes a biologically safe material, and even less a 'biocompatible' material. The critical point being, what should be measured and what the measurements mean. These parameters remain poorly defined. The many papers dealing with experimental observation on biological safety and biocompatibility attests to the growing awareness of the need for objectivity and quantification. This book focuses on the interface between advanced material science and biological sciences and brings together a wealth of expertise in advanced engineering and clinical sciences from the leading researchers in the field. The book also includes a summary of the discussions which took place at the 2nd Consensus Conference on Definitions in Biomaterials and the definitions agreed upon are detailed.