Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Polymers


Book Description

This much needed and timely book will provide students with an introduction to general concepts of polymer science and some insights into speciality polymers. Polymers are becoming increasingly present in the domain of health yet introduction to polymers is not frequently taught. Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Polymers is the only book available for introducing polymers to graduate or post-graduate students who use them in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. In four sections the book covers: * why study polymers for the health sciences? * general characteristics of polymers * main methods and processes to synthesize polymers * special properties of polymers The final section of the book also contains case studies and detailed examples of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Polymers is a user-friendly textbook which will be an essential reference for postgraduate pharmaceutical science students, pharmaceutical scientists worldwide and pharmacy undergraduate students with an interest in polymers.




Natural and Synthetic Biomedical Polymers


Book Description

Polymers are important and attractive biomaterials for researchers and clinical applications due to the ease of tailoring their chemical, physical and biological properties for target devices. Due to this versatility they are rapidly replacing other classes of biomaterials such as ceramics or metals. As a result, the demand for biomedical polymers has grown exponentially and supports a diverse and highly monetized research community. Currently worth $1.2bn in 2009 (up from $650m in 2000), biomedical polymers are expected to achieve a CAGR of 9.8% until 2015, supporting a current research community of approximately 28,000+. Summarizing the main advances in biopolymer development of the last decades, this work systematically covers both the physical science and biomedical engineering of the multidisciplinary field. Coverage extends across synthesis, characterization, design consideration and biomedical applications. The work supports scientists researching the formulation of novel polymers with desirable physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties for specific targeted biomedical applications. - Combines chemistry, biology and engineering for expert and appropriate integration of design and engineering of polymeric biomaterials - Physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties alongside currently deployed clinical applications of specific biomaterials aids use as single source reference on field. - 15+ case studies provides in-depth analysis of currently used polymeric biomaterials, aiding design considerations for the future




Biopolymers and Nanocomposites for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications


Book Description

Biopolymers are endowed with excellent attributes such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and functional versatility, which render them an edge over other polymers. Today, they find broad applications in the biomedical field and pharmaceutical world. Nanotechnology has offered tremendous opportunities to design and tailor-make biopolymers augmenting their applications further. This book presents topical articles on the synthesis and applications of biopolymers, biopolymer nanoparticles and nanocomposites. The book includes chapters on conducting polymers, vegetable oils, chitosan and cellulose based polyurethanes, polymeric hydrogels, biopolymeric nanoparticles and nanocomposites, and their applications as drug carriers and sensors in cancer therapy and others. This book would be useful for students, scholars, and scientists interested in the synthesis, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of biopolymers and their nanocomposites.




Biomedical Polymers


Book Description

A review of the latest research on biomedical polymers, this book discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non bio-degradable polymers and their applications. Chapters discuss polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems, the use of polymers in cell encapsulation, their role as replacement materials for heart valves and arteries, and their applications in joint replacement. The book also discusses the use of polymers in biosensor applications. Edited by an expert team of reasearchers and containing contributions from pioneers throughout the field, the book is an essential reference for scientists and all those developing and using this important group of biomaterials.




Polymers in Medicine


Book Description

The utilization of polymers in medicine has become a reality in the last decade. This book is a concise presentation of the fundamentals, applications, and methods of optimization of polymeric drugs and polymeric drug delivery systems for medicinal purposes. The basic rationale for the use of polymeric drugs and polymer delivery systems is the possibility to alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents so as to maintain an adequate therapeutic environment at the site of disfunction for an extended period of time. The primary objectives for using polymeric drugs and polymeric drug delivery systems are to introduce new and efficient methods of drug administration, to improve efficacy and patient compliance, to decrease toxicity, and to ensure safety. The following factors influence the design and performance of polymers for medicinal applications: disease, drug properties, type of therapy (acute or chronic), physiology of the patient, administration route, and the site requiring therapy.




Polymer Science and Technology


Book Description

This text describes how plastics, rubber, and fibers are synthesized, processed into useful materials, characterized, and compounded with fillers and other additives to improve performance for specific applications. Their use in a wide variety of technologies including membrane separations, electronics, and energy production and storage is described. A new chapter in the Third Edition shows how computer correlations and simulations can be used to predict properties of new plastics and to better understand how existing plastics perform.




Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Applications of Polymers


Book Description

Polymers continue to show almost amazing versatility. We have always known that polymers could be used for trinkets, toys and dishes. Now, however, we are no longer surprised to encounter these adaptable mate rials in almost every place we look. We find them in our cars, tools, electronic devices, building materials, etc. The use of polymeric mate rials in medicine is also well documented in previous books by one of the Editors (Gebelein) and by others. Likewise, the use of polymeric mate rials in pharmaceutical applications, especially in controlled release systems, is also well established. Nevertheless, the use of these ubiquitous chemicals is far less ob vious in the field of cosmetics, although modern cosmetic preparations rely heavily on polymers and this trend is certain to increase. This book brings together much of the basic information on polymers in cosmetics and compares this usage with similar applications in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Cosmetics, like medicine and pharmacy, dates back to antiquity. We can find uses of perfumes, balms and ointments in various old books, such as the Bible. For example, the use of ointments and balms is noted more than thirty eight times, and perfumes and related materials are cited at least twenty nine times in the Bible.




Natural-Based Polymers for Biomedical Applications


Book Description

Polymers from natural sources are particularly useful as biomaterials and in regenerative medicine, given their similarity to the extracellular matrix and other polymers in the human body. This important book reviews the wealth of research on both tried and promising new natural-based biomedical polymers, together with their applications as implantable biomaterials, controlled-release carriers or scaffolds for tissue engineering.The first part of the book reviews the sources, processing and properties of natural-based polymers for biomedical applications. Part two describes how the surfaces of polymer-based biomaterials can be modified to improve their functionality. The third part of the book discusses the use of natural-based polymers for biodegradable scaffolds and hydrogels in tissue engineering. Building on this foundation, Part four looks at the particular use of natural-gelling polymers for encapsulation, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The penultimate group of chapters reviews the use of natural-based polymers as delivery systems for drugs, hormones, enzymes and growth factors. The final part of the book summarises research on the key issue of biocompatibility.Natural-based polymers for biomedical applications is a standard reference for biomedical engineers, those studying and researching in this important area, and the medical community. - Examines the sources, processing and properties of natural based polymers for biomedical applications - Explains how the surfaces of polymer based biomaterials can be modified to improve their functionality - Discusses the use of natural based polymers for hydrogels in tissue engineering, and in particular natural gelling polymers for encapsulation and regenerative medicine




Science and Principles of Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Medical Polymers


Book Description

Science and Principles of Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Medical Polymers: Materials and Properties provides a practical guide to the use of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers for study, research, and applications within medicine. Fundamentals of the basic principles and science behind the use of biodegradable polymers in advanced research and in medical and pharmaceutical applications are presented, as are important new concepts and principles covering materials, properties, and computer modeling, providing the reader with useful tools that will aid their own research, product design, and development. Supported by practical application examples, the scope and contents of the book provide researchers with an important reference and knowledge-based educational and training aid on the basics and fundamentals of these important medical polymers. - Provides a practical guide to the fundamentals, synthesis, and processing of bioresorbable polymers in medicine - Contains comprehensive coverage of material properties, including unique insights into modeling degradation - Written by an eclectic mix of international authors with experience in academia and industry




Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers


Book Description

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers presents the newest and most interesting approaches to intelligent polymer engineering in both current and future progress in biomedical sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on the properties needed for each selected polymer and how to increase their biomedical potential in varying applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. These materials are intended for use in diagnoses, therapy and prophylaxis, but are also relatable to other biomedical related applications, such as sensors. Recent developments and future perspectives regarding their use in biomedicine are discussed in detail, making this book an ideal source on the topic. - Highlights the most well-known applications of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers in biological and biomedical engineering - Presents novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in materials for companies, those in biomedical industries, and others - Features at least 50% of references from the last 2-3 years