As our consciousness of microbes increases, it appears that our desire to control our interactions with germs also increases in proportion. This is clearly demonstrated by examining the incredible growth in the number and sales volume of consumer products with antimicrobial claims. In the medical field as well, there is much interest in the use of antimicrobial/anti-infective materials for medical devices and general healthcare applications.

Antimicrobial/Anti-Infective Materials: Principles, Applications and Devices represents the best current research and practice on ways to reduce infection caused by devices inserted into the human body. This volume presents important recent developments in the research, development, and applications of anti-infective materials for use in medical devices. It includes 15 in-depth reports by more than 40 leading specialists in biomaterials and medical devices that cover a wide range of important advances in various materials and applications. These include improved coatings and surface modifications techniques, improved materials designed for inherent infection resistance, and applications in the areas of cardiac, orthopedic, ENT, and vascular devices.

This book serves the information needs of all those involved in the research, development, design, and selection of biomaterials and medical devices. It will benefit anyone who designs, uses, and monitors anti-infective materials, as well as those who develop and apply products made from these materials.