ABSTRACT
A textbook that focuses on biomaterials may take several pathways; however, there are two principal directions. One direction may emphasize a limited number of biomaterials that are used in clinical indications. In this case, an extensive and comprehensive discussion may be provided focusing on a natural polymer, such as collagen, or a family of laboratory-derived polymers that may include the poly(alpha-hydroxy acids). There are liabilities and advantages associated with this approach. Signi cantly, the limitation is to a select set of materials and their actual and potential applications. However, the bene t from such emphasis is that the extent of the information provided would be robust. Yet, there will be a restricted readership and student population to whom this narrow focus will bene t. Another direction for the textbook may entail a comprehensive presentation of any and all biomaterials that are either currently used or may be used in clinical situations. The virtue of this approach is the comprehensiveness of information collated in a single source; however, the distinct disadvantage is the massiveness of that single source. Moreover, there may simply be an overwhelming volume of inconsequential information for the student. Therefore, the direction taken for this biomaterials text emphasizes a compromise between an option that is narrowly focused and restricted, and one that attempts to capture everything about biomaterials.
