Book excerpt: The medical device and drug industries standards in analytical methodology and are consistently among the strongest techno- quality control. logical performers. Materials are a key The users of Biomaterials Engineering ingredient in their dynamic growth. Devel- and Devices: Human Applications will r- opment of these materials is in a constant resent a broad base of backgrounds ranging state of activity, with the challenge of re- from the basic sciences (e. g. , polymer placing old materials that cannot withstand chemistry and biochemistry) to more the tests of time, and the new materials’ applied disciplines (e. g. , mechanical/ needs coming to the forefront in modern chemical engineering, orthopedics, and applications. This new reference text, pharmaceutics). To meet varied needs, each Biomaterials Engineering and Devices: chapter provides clear ancd fully detailed Human Applications, focuses on materials discussions. This in-depth, but practical, used in or on the human body—materials coverage should also assist recent indu- that define the world of “biomaterials. ” ees to the biomaterials circle. The editors Biomaterials Engineering and Devices: trust that this reference textbook conveys Human Applications focuses on mate- the intensity of this fast moving field in an rials development and characterization. enthusastic presentation. Chapters deal with issues in the selection of Donald L. Wise, PHD proper biomaterials from biocompatibility Debra J. Trantolo, PHD to biostability to structure/function relation- Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, MD ships. Chapters also focus on the use of Joseph D. Gresser, PHD specific biomaterials based on their physio- Mario V.