Toxicology of degradation products of plastics. Discussion

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.