Biomaterials modified with superoxide dismutase mimics

The present invention relates to biomaterials modified with non-proteinaceous catalysts for the dismutation of superoxide, and processes for making such materials. This modification may be by covalent conjugation, copolymerization, or admixture of the non-proteinaceous catalysts with the biomaterial. The resulting modified biomaterials exhibit a marked decrease in inflammatory response and subsequent degradation when placed in contact with vertebrate biological systems.