MACROKINETIC ASPECTS OF BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND BIODESTRUCTION OF POLYMERS

The papers concerning to the quantitative aspects of degradation of so me polymers used in medical practice as surgical implants are reviewed . The quantitative criteria of biocompatibility of these polymers and the response of the living body are discussed. New experimental data a re shown on the degradation rate of polyesters, polyamides, elastomers in the organizm to that in model media. The catalytical activity of b iological media (water, salts and enzymes) are also considered in deta il.