Interview

Miroslav Šlouf of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is interviewed concerning his research activities in this issue. More than 25,000 of total joint replacements of big human joints, such as hip, knee, elbow etc., are implanted every year in the Czech Republic. The bearing surface in the joint replacement is usually made of a special polymer – ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This contribution describes the development of novel UHMWPE types, which should increase the lifetime of artificial joints. Czech scientists of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry collaborate on this unique research and its applications with Czech company Beznoska.