ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the functionality design of biocompatible materials. It examines the devices for acquiring a short-term nonthrombogenicity and a long-term biocompatibility. The chapter also describes the functional design in the synthesis of materials mimicking specific functionalities of proteins, such as enzymes. Biocomposite materials are defined as materials synthesized by conjugation of biologically active substances with synthetic or nonbioactive polymers. They comprise an important part of biofunctional materials. Among synthetic polymers in clinical use, polyetherurethaneurea (PEUU) is relatively nonthrombogenic. It has been considered that the relatively high nonthrombogenicity of PEUU comes from the heterogeneous morphology appearing on the membrane surface. Finally, the chapter presents an overview of this book. The book describes the background and usefulness of the biocomposite materials. It explores the chemical mutation of enzymes for the creation of novel catalysts, along with genetic mutation. The book examines the recent trend in the creation of novel proteins by protein engineering.
