Book excerpt: This volume presents a comprehensive review on the actual trends in basic and applied research on biomaterials, in hard tissue repair and reconstruction, as well as their consequences for both industry and society. The importance of methods for high-resolution characterization are highlighted, the crucial problem of interactions is illustrated by a variety of methods which include implantation, cell culture, and microstructural examination. Also included are papers on the recent developments in joint replacement, maxillo facial, nerve and ligament repair, and dental implants.