Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to perform its intended function with an appropriate host response in a specific application. It is not a single event but rather involves different interdependent mechanisms of interaction between the material and tissue. Additionally, biocompatibility implies that a material performs its function depending on its intrinsic properties and interaction with tissues, and results in an appropriate host response rather than no response at all. The degree of biocompatibility depends on both the material and tissue used in a specific application.

1. Biocompatibility
Kaufman Teaching Program
Group 3
Munira Shahbuddin, Phd.

2. BIOCOMPATIBILITY
Biocompatibility has been equated
with the lack of significant interactions
between a material and tissue.
It is implied a combination of inertness
and non-toxicity - passive ignorance of
the tissue.
It is referred as the ability of a material
to perform with an appropriate host
response in a specific application.

5. BIOCOMPATIBILITY: DEFINITION
1. BIOCOMPATIBILITY IS NOT A SINGLE EVENT
OR A SINGLE PHENOMENON
• It refers to a collection of
process involving different but
interdependent mechanisms of
interaction between the
material and the tissue.

6. 2. BIOCOMPATIBILITY REFERS TO THE ABILITY OF THE
MATERIALS TO PERFORM A FUNCTION
• This reflects the fact that all
materials are intended to
perform a specific function in
the body rather than simply
reside there.
• The ability to perform this
function depends not only on
the intrinsic mechanical and
physical properties but also its
interaction with the tissues.

7. 3. BIOCOMPATIBILITY REFERS TO APPROPRIATE HOST
RESPONSE
• It does not stipulate that there should be no
response but rather that response should be
appropriate or acceptable in view of the function
that has to be performed.
4. BIOCOMPATIBILITY REFERS TO SPECIFIC APPLICATION
• It has to be described with reference to the
situation in which it is used.
• Different materials and tissues do not display the
same biocompatibility.