Complement activation produced by biomaterials

The complement-activating potential of biomaterials may be defined by appropriate application of C3a and C5a anaphylatoxin radioimmunoassays. Studies performed with hemodialysis membranes demonstrate that blood contact with these model biomaterials results in complement activation that may be ascribed to specific properties of the material surface. Further delineation of these chemical and physical properties may permit design of biocompatible materials.