Determinants of Productive Capacity for Stream Salmonids

Abstract

The use of biomaterials is growing in our modern healthcare systems, and there is special increase in the use and development of biodegradable materials made of different polymers. However, biocompatibility of biomaterials remains a great challenge for the manufacturers during their development. In this chapter, we define biocompatibility and outline the material-host interactions that are expected with the use of biomaterials. In addition, we review the major guidelines that define the standards and regulations for evaluating biocompatibility of medical devices. The chapter also describes the factors that need to be considered when evaluating biocompatibility of materials and the numerous in vitro and in vivo tests that have been developed for assessing biocompatibility. We finish by highlighting the central role of the toxicologic pathologist in the evaluation of medical devices, and provide a look for the future of biocompatible medical devices.Graphical Abstract