This article highlights the biomaterial-related research of the Macromolecular Engineering Research Centre (MERC). The MERC group concentrated on polyisobutylene (PIB)-based biomaterials. In this article, first the unique properties of PIB are discussed, followed by a review of PIB-based potential biomaterials. MERC's systematic research program aimed to develop novel PIB-based biomaterials is then highlighted, including surface modification and biocompatibility studies. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.