Rationalizing the design of polymeric biomaterials

Polymers are a promising class of biomaterials that can be engineered to meet specific end-use requirements. They can be selected according to key 'device' characteristics such as mechanical resistance, degradability, permeability, solubility and transparency, but the currently available polymers need to be improved by altering their surface and bulk properties. The design of macromolecules must therefore be carefully tailored in order to provide the combination of chemical, interfacial, mechanical and biological functions necessary for the manufacture of new and improved biomaterials.