SEDL / STP / STP684-EB / STP35934S

Toxicology of Degradation Products of Plastics

Autian, J
Director, Materials Science Toxicology Laboratories, University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, Memphis, Tenn

Pages: 15    Published: Oct 1979

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Abstract

A successful implant must meet two important criteria: (1) the ability to function in a living organism and (2) biocompatibility. If an implant has a tendency to degrade, both of these characteristics can be altered, leading to a failure of the implant and possible harm to the patient. This paper will deal with a brief discussion of the subject of toxicology, followed by selected examples of problems which have occurred in the use of a plastic for a biomedical application, and, finally. suggestions will be made as to in-vivo and in-vitro tests which may be appropriate for ascertaining whether a new plastic will degrade, releasing biologically active constituents.