Biomaterials repair, reinforce or replace damaged functional parts of the (human) body. All mechanical and biological interactions between an implant and the body occur across the interface, which has to correspond as nearly as possible to its particular function. Much of the progress in adapting polymer materials for use in a biological environment has been obtained through irradiation techniques. For this reason the most recent developments in four key areas are reviewed in this special volume: (1) the analysis of the topology and the elemental composition of a functional surface, (2) the chemical modification of the surface which results in highly pure, sterile and versatile surfaces, (3) the sterilisation of implantable devices via ionising radiation and its possible effects on the structural mechanical properties of polymers, and (4) the radiation effects on living cells and tissues which are of particular importance for radiation protection and radiotherapy.

Highest Impact Factor of all journals ranked by ISI within Polymer Science Short and concise reports on physics and chemistry of polymers, each written by the world renowned experts Still valid and useful after 5 or 10 years The electronic version is available free of charge for standing order customers at: http://link.springer.de/series/aps/

Inhalt
Engineering and Characterization of Polymer Surfaces for Biomedical Applications.- Plasma and Radiation-Induced Graft Modification of Polymers for Biomedical Applications.- The Effects of Radiation on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Medical Polymers.- Effects of Ion Radiation on Cells and Tissues.