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




Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers


Book Description

Technology and research in the field of tissue engineering has drastically increased within the last few years to the extent that almost every tissue and organ of the human body could potentially be regenerated. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Tissue Engineering using Ceramics and Polymers reviews the latest research and advances in this thriving area and how they can be used to develop treatments for disease states. Part one discusses general issues such as ceramic and polymeric biomaterials, scaffolds, transplantation of engineered cells, surface modification and drug delivery. Later chapters review characterisation using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry as well as environmental scanning electron microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Chapters in part two analyse bone regeneration and specific types of tissue engineering and repair such as cardiac, intervertebral disc, skin, kidney and bladder tissue. The book concludes with the coverage of themes such as nerve bioengineering and the micromechanics of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials and tissue scaffolds. Tissue Engineering using Ceramics and Polymers is an innovative reference for professionals and academics involved in the field of tissue engineering. - An innovative and up-to-date reference for professionals and academics - Environmental scanning electron microscopy is discussed - Analyses bone regeneration and specific types of tisue engineering




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 for Tissue Engineering


Book Description

The articles included in this text highlight the important advances in polymer science that impact tissue engineering. The breadth of polymer science is well represented with the relevance of both polymer chemistry and morphology emphasized in terms of cell and tissue response.




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




Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine


Book Description

This book comprehensively explores the basic concepts and applications of biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The book is divided into four sections; the first section deals with the basic concepts and different types of biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The second section discusses the functional requirements and types of materials that are used in developing state-of-the-art of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The third section presents the applications of biomaterials for hard and soft tissue engineering, as well as for specialized tissue engineering. The last section addresses the future prospects of nanobiomaterials, intelligent biomaterials, and 3D bioprinting biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It also discusses various in vitro disease models for tissue bioengineering and regenerative medicine. As such, it offers a valuable resource for students, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and medical/healthcare professionals.




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




Synthetic Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds


Book Description

This body of work represents the first volume of a book series covering the field of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering, which refers to a category of therapeutic or diagnostic products and processes which are based upon a combination of living cells and biomaterials, was defined as a field only a few years ago (1988). Tissue engineering is an inherently interdisciplinary field, combining bioengineering, life sciences and clinical sciences. The definition of this area of work as the field of tissue engineering brought together scientists from multiple backgrounds who already were working toward the achievement of similar goals. Why a book series exclusively devoted to tissue engineering? The field of tissue engineering is heterogeneous. The cells involved in tissue engineering can be autologous, allogeneic or xenogeneic. The biomaterials utilized can be either naturally occurring, synthetic or a combination of both. The appli cation of the technology can be either for acute or permanent purposes. An attempt to cover the field of tissue engineering in a single volume, with the degree of detail necessary for individuals with different scientific back grounds and disciplines, would be a difficult task to accomplish, particularly when this field is just emerging and changing rapidly. Therefore, addressing different technologies within the field of tissue engineering, in a comprehen sive manner, is the main mission of this series of volumes. A stellar group of scientists has been brought together to form the editorial board of the series.




Nanotechnology Applications for Tissue Engineering


Book Description

Tissue engineering involves seeding of cells on bio-mimicked scaffolds providing adhesive surfaces. Researchers though face a range of problems in generating tissue which can be circumvented by employing nanotechnology. It provides substrates for cell adhesion and proliferation and agents for cell growth and can be used to create nanostructures and nanoparticles to aid the engineering of different types of tissue. Written by renowned scientists from academia and industry, this book covers the recent developments, trends and innovations in the application of nanotechnologies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It provides information on methodologies for designing and using biomaterials to regenerate tissue, on novel nano-textured surface features of materials (nano-structured polymers and metals e.g.) as well as on theranostics, immunology and nano-toxicology aspects. In the book also explained are fabrication techniques for production of scaffolds to a series of tissue-specific applications of scaffolds in tissue engineering for specific biomaterials and several types of tissue (such as skin bone, cartilage, vascular, cardiac, bladder and brain tissue). Furthermore, developments in nano drug delivery, gene therapy and cancer nanotechonology are described. The book helps readers to gain a working knowledge about the nanotechnology aspects of tissue engineering and will be of great use to those involved in building specific tissue substitutes in reaching their objective in a more efficient way. It is aimed for R&D and academic scientists, lab engineers, lecturers and PhD students engaged in the fields of tissue engineering or more generally regenerative medicine, nanomedicine, medical devices, nanofabrication, biofabrication, nano- and biomaterials and biomedical engineering. - Provides state-of-the-art knowledge on how nanotechnology can help tackling known problems in tissue engineering - Covers materials design, fabrication techniques for tissue-specific applications as well as immunology and toxicology aspects - Helps scientists and lab engineers building tissue substitutes in a more efficient way




Bioresorbable Polymers


Book Description

Bioresorbable implants can be processed via conventional polymer processing methods such as extrusion, injection and compressing moulding, solvent spinning or casting. This book addresses issues and highlights recent advances in the use of biodegradable polymers. It is intended for researchers utilizing biodegradable polymers in areas from tissue engineering to controlled release of active pharmaceuticals, as well as industrial processors.