Applications of Biomaterials

The current and potential biomedical applications of polymeric materials are numerous. The only available bioabsorbable suture was catgut, made from sheep intestinal mucosa. To improve its tensile strength in the physiological environment, the material is subjected to a chromic process. The development of polymeric drugs has been retarded by the fact that most synthetic organic polymers are insoluble in water, and many that are soluble are toxic. In the chemotherapy of various forms of cancer, the drug methotrexate is widely used. Controlled release of drugs may be achieved by the preparation of semipermeable “composite microcapsules”. Blood-contacting catheters are used with increasing frequency in coronary arteriography as well as in the umbilical catheterization of ill or potentially ill neonates. Umbilical catheters are frequently used in ill or potentially ill infants. This type of catheterization provides a good access for obtaining blood samples and provides a ready means for therapy with fluids and pharmaceuticals.