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2. BIOCOMPATIBLE POLYMERS
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3. CONTENTS
Introduction to Polymers
Classification of polymers
Biocompatible polymers
Requirements for polymers
Biocompatibility of polymers
Biocompatibility testing
Applications
Summary
References
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4. What are polymers?
Polymers: Macromolecules formed by joining of repeating
structural units called as monomers .
(“Poly”-many, “mer” -unit or part).
Covalent bond
Monomer Monomer
“Mono”- one Two monomers
“mer”- part
Dimer
“Di”- two
Repeat “mer”- part
attachment of
monomers
Polymer
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5. Classification of Polymers
Based on
molecular
forces
Based on
susceptibility Based on
of backbone source
Classification
of polymers
Based on
Based on mode of
structure polymeriza
tion
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6. Cont......
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7. Cont........
Classification based on Structure of polymers
1. Linear polymers e.g. P.V.C., High density Polythene
2. Branched polymers e.g. Low density Polythene
3. Cross linked or Network polymers e.g. Bakelite
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8. Cont.......
Classification based on mode of polymerization
Addition polymers Condensation polymers
e.g. Polythene, Buna-S etc. e.g. Terylene, Nylon 6 etc.
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9. Cont…..
Elastomers
e.g. Buna-
S, Buna-N
Thermosetting Classification Fibres
polymers based on e.g. Nylon6,6,
e.g. Bakelite molecular Terylene
forces
Thermoplastic
polymers
e.g. Polythene
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10. Cont…
Classification based on susceptibility of backbone
Degradable Non-degradable
polymers polymers
e.g. Polylactide, Polyglycolid e.g. Polypropylene, Polyethylene
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11. What are biocompatible polymers?
Biocompatible polymers are synthetic or natural polymers
used to replace part of a living system or to function in
intimate contact with living tissue.
Biocompatible polymers are intended to interface with
biological systems to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any
tissue, organ or function of the body.
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12. Requirements for biocompatible polymers
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13. Biocompatibility of polymers
Biocompatibility term is used to describe the suitability
of a polymer for exposure to the body or bodily fluids.
A polymer will be considered biocompatible, if it
allows the body to function without any complications
such as allergic reactions or other adverse side effects.
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14. Complications of use of Non-biocompatible
polymers
 Extended chronic inflammation at the contact point.
 Cytotoxicity.
 Cell disruption.
 Skin irritation.
 Thrombosis.
 Corrosion of an implant (if used). 14

15. Biocompatibility testing of polymers
 Biocompatibility testing answers two fundamental questions:
 Is the polymer safe?
 Does it have necessary physical and chemical properties?
 This consist of in vitro and in vivo assessments that are relevant to the
applications of polymers.
A variety of tests are necessary to determine
biocompatibility, depending on the type and application of polymer.
Generally ISO 10993 series have been followed across the globe to
standardize the biocompatible testing scheme.
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16. APPLICATIONS
Tissue culture
Tissue scaffolds
Implantable controlled drug delivery systems
 Catheters and dialysis tubing
Artificial grafts
To fabricate wound closure devices
Envelopes for the implantation of cardiac devices
Stents such as biliary stents, esophageal stents, vaginal stents, lung,
Trachea/bronchus stents
Coating on medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings
and surgical sealants to improve blood compatibility
 Wildlife vaccination
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17. Examples of Biocompatible polymer
applications
1. Tissue culture
2. Tissue scaffolds
3. Wildlife vaccination
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18. Biocompatible polymer for tissue culture
Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)
“PIPA”
PIPA changes properties at different temperatures
370 320
Collapsed Expanded
structure structure
How could this property be used for medical applications?
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19. Growing cell sheets using PIPA
PIPA Polymer
1. Coat surface 2. Apply live cells
with polymer
Reduce temp.
4. Harvest cells 3. Allow cells to grow
Cell can be grown outside the body 19

20. Examples of cell sheets
Cardiac cells Skin (epitheliall )cells
Cell sheets have great
potential to treat many
injuries/diseases
Skin cell graft on patient 20

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23. Vaccine delivery to animals
Biobullets
(Sugar bullets)
Solid hydrogels of vaccine
Bullet penetrates
Hydrogels can be formed in biobullets target, degrade and releases
Air rifle delivery content
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24. Examples & applications of some polymers
Name of polymer Typical applications
Polyvinylchloride Blood tubing, as blood bags.
(PVC)
Polytetrafluoroethylene Tubing, endoscopes, cannulas, catheter
(PTFE) linings, Synthetic blood vessels, Surgical
sutures.
Polyethersulfone (PES) Tubing, catheters
Polyethylene Orthopedic sutures, artificial tendons
(PE)
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Dentistry products, rigid tubing
Polysulfone Surgical and medical devices, clamps,
(PS) artificial Heart components, heart valves
Polypropylene (PP) Heart valves
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25. SUMMARY
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26. REFERENCES
1. V. Prasad Shastri, “Non-Degradable Biocompatible Polymers in
Medicine: Past, Present and Future”, School of Medicine and
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
2. ISO 7405 (1984): International Organization For Standardization,
Technical Report 7’405, Biological Evaluation of Dental Materials.
3. R. James Christie, “Biocompatible polymers: design, function and
applications”, Utsunomiya girl’s high school, USA.
4. http://www.wikipedia.com/biocompatible polymers.
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27. Cont........
5. Bhola R., Bhola S.M., Liang H., Mishra B., “Biocompatible
Denture Polymers – A Review” Department of Metallurgical &
Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
80401.
6. Quansah J.K., “Synthetic polymers for biocompatible
biomaterials”, Materials Literature seminar, September
23, 2004.
7. http://www.zeusinc.com/biocompatible polymers.
8. Hiemenz P.C., Marcel Dekker, “Polymer Chemistry- The Basic
Concepts”, Inc. Publication. Page no. 03.
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