H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz

Radiation Grafting of Biopolymers and Synthetic Polymers

This chapter discusses the state of the art of biopolymers and synthetic polymers with potential biomedical applications and focuses on the interest of the gamma ray, for controlling polymerization during grafting of polymers onto biocompatible substrates. Biopolymers have attracted attention because they have their own biological activity. They come from renewable resources and fossil fuels, are nontoxic for the human body, are biocompatible, and many of them are biodegradable. Graft modification is a very interesting alternative to modifying synthetic and natural polymers. Particularly, radiation-induced graft polymerization has shown interesting advantages over other techniques, including the possibility to carry grafting at room temperature without the use of additives such as catalyst or chemical initiators. Some biomedical applications of the grafted biopolymers are also described.

Current Methods Applied to Biomaterials – Characterization Approaches, Safety Assessment and Biological International Standards

Safety and biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials are themes of constant concern as advanced materials enter the market as well as products manufactured by new techniques emerge. Within this context, this review provides an up-to-date approach on current methods for the characterization and safety assessment of biomaterials and biomedical devices from a physical-chemical to a biological perspective, including a description of the alternative methods in accordance with current and established international standards.