Preface

A recent editorial production from InTech resulted in the publication of three volumes focused on biomaterials. In those books, also edited by myself, the fundamental and applicative aspects of biomaterials, in the wide connotation of the word, have been reviewed and supported by the experimental work of many scientists, who from many years have dedicated their research to this fascinating world, composed of many different skills, techniques and competencies.

When I was invited by the Publisher to coordinate a further editorial task on Biomaterials, I was glad to help in collecting new contributions in this area of research and science. The scien‐ tific production in the field is, in fact, rapidly growing and updating, mainly on the fronts of new and original applications of already known or novel compounds and polymers. As proof, we easily received a high number of articles to be selected for composition of this new volume.

The chosen title gives a clear suggestion to the need of focusing all the basic studies, for in‐ stance the physico-chemical characterization of biomaterials, towards their potential applica‐ tions in biomedicine and drug delivery, or in any other relevant area of diagnosis, therapy, surgical manipulation, and rehabilitation. Traditional, or 'known', biomaterials can now be handled to meet specific medical needs, based on the large experience of their chemical, physi‐ cal and biological properties. Conversely, newly produced materials can be directly designed and tailored to such requirements, so that novel and somewhat unexpected areas of applica‐ tion are continuously disclosed.

These considerations have been the basis of this editorial product. The contribution presented consists of review articles, original researches and experimental reports from eminent interna‐ tional experts of the multidisciplinary world, which is required for an effective development and utility of biomaterials. 21 chapters have been organized to explore different aspects of bio‐ materials science. From advanced means for the characterization and toxicological assessment of new materials, passing through some 'classical' applications in nanotechnology and tissue engineering, toward novel specific uses of these products, the volume is intended to give read‐ ers a view of the wide range of disciplines and methodologies that have been exploited to de‐ velop biomaterials with the physical and biological features needed for specific clinical and medical purposes.

I hope that you reading these interesting chapters will prompt your interest research towards the exciting field of biomaterials science and applications

> **Rosario Pignatello** Universita degli Studi di Catania, Italy

**Characterization of Novel Biomaterials**
