Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility is defined as the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application. It is not a single molecular target, receptor, or enzyme, but rather a complex property of biomaterials used in medical devices, implants, and drug delivery systems. The assessment of biocompatibility involves evaluating how a material interacts with various biological components, including blood, tissues, and the immune system, to ensure that it does not cause unacceptable harm or adverse reactions such as toxicity or rejection (Williams, 2008). These interactions are dictated by the material's surface chemistry, topography, and mechanical properties. Because biocompatibility is a situational property rather than a biological molecule, it cannot be 'targeted' by drugs in the traditional sense; instead, it is a requirement that therapeutic systems must satisfy to be safely used in humans (ISO 10993-1:2018). Failure to maintain biocompatibility can lead to chronic inflammation, fibrous encapsulation, or systemic toxicity.

Other names

Biological compatibilityMaterial compatibilityTissue compatibility

Not applicable as biocompatibility is a property of a material's interaction with a biological system rather than a drug target mechanism.