Chapter 12: Immunological Response of Electrostatic Charge at the Surface of Biomaterials

This Chapter discusses the central role of the endothelial cells in inflammatory processes that always accompany the implantation of a biomaterial into the body. Endothelial injury at the site of biomaterial implantation, in addition to endothelial cells, involves many other interactive factors including leukocytes and platelets, and their inflammatory mediators, as well as receptors expressed on the surfaces of these cells. All these components activate cascades of mutual interactions that result in inflammation, but eventually lead to wound healing. However, depending on the chemical and physical properties of the biomaterial, endothelial dysfunction may contribute to destructive chronic inflammation that adversely affects the outcome of biomaterial implantation.