As biomaterials are used in medical devices, meeting needs in such diverse surgical disciplines as ophthalmology, cardiology, neuromuscular surgery, orthopaedics, dentistry, etc., they must have intimate contact with patient's tissue or body fluids, providing a real physical interface which seriously restricts developments. This book is written for those who would like to advance their knowledge of biomaterials. The subject matter of the book is divided into twelve chapters dealing with the structure and relationship of biological and man-made biomaterials. The application of these materials for various medical devices, and recent developments in tissue engineering, are also discussed.

Contents: Sujata V. Bhat: Forskolin and Congeners. - L. Minale, R. Riccio and F. Zollo: Steroidal Oligoglycosides and Polyhydroxysteroids from Echinoderms. - Author Index. - Subject Index. The volumes of this classic series, now referred to simply as "Zechmeister" after its founder, L. Zechmeister, have appeared under the Springer Imprint ever since the series' inauguration in 1938. The volumes contain contributions on various topics related to the origin, distribution, chemistry, synthesis, biochemistry, function or use of various classes of naturally occurring substances ranging from small molecules to biopolymers. Each contribution is written by a recognized authority in his field and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the topic in question. Addressed to biologists, technologists, and chemists alike, the series can be used by the expert as a source of information and literature citations and by the non-expert as a means of orientation in a rapidly developing discipline.