Biocompatibility and the Immune System

Catalog description

This course combines a traditional basic immunology course with an introduction to principles of the human tissue response to biomaterial implantation. Information is presented in the context of common immune system pathologies to emphasize the relevance of immunology to biomedical engineering and human physiology. Major topics include the organization of the immune system and its myriad cells and cytokines, a review of bacterial and viral lifecycles, antibody/antigen specificity, inflammation, bacterial adhesion, biomaterial surface characterization and sterilization. Students explore biocompatibility testing, and learn the molecular basis for surface recognition and masking in implanted materials. The course emphasizes the interaction of various immune system components with engineered biological devices, implants, cells and tissues, and explores strategies and solutions for maximizing biocompatibility of engineered biomaterials with the immune system.