Biocompatibility of biomaterials: hemocompatibility, immunocompatiblity and biocompatibility of solid polymeric materials and soluble targetable polymeric carriers

Abstract The biocompatibility and immunocompatibility of polymeric materials is of fundamental importance for their possible therapeutic uses. Aspects of biocompatibility of solid polymeric materials and soluble polymeric materials differ. Solid materials are used in polymer implants, as membranes in kidney dialysis and cardiopulmonary bypass, for polymer coating of other materials to increase their biocompatibility, for encapsulation of cells producing hormones and other soluble factors, or as microspheres used for antigen or drug release. Soluble polymeric materials are mostly used as carriers of drugs, hormones, growth factors, enzymes and other active substances. Bio-and immunocompatibility comprises a complex response which depends both on the physico-chemical characteristics of the medical material and on the hereditary and acquired ability of the recipient to react.