Polymers in orthopedic surgery and tissue engineering: From engineering materials to smart biofunctionalization of a surface

Polymeric materials are important for biomedical applications. Nevertheless, during the last few decades, the requirements on the used polymers have experienced significant changes. In the present review, the data illustrating the history of application of polymers in orthopedic surgery and tissue engineering are systemized and generalized. Special attention is given to the discussion of new problems which could be solved through creation of smart biologically functional polymeric structures able to control the behavior of cells.