Hyaluronic Acid for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications


Book Description

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found in extracellular tissue in many parts of the body. It is a material of increasing importance to biomaterials science and is finding applications in diverse areas ranging from tissue culture scaffolds to cosmetic materials. Its properties, both physical and biochemical, in solution or hydrogel form, are extremely attractive for various technologies concerned with body repair. This book considers the materials science behind some of the important biomedical and therapeutic applications that are emerging for HA. Key characteristics such as its mechanical properties, biological function and degradation are discussed. The latest technologies in chemical modification and crosslinking strategies are analysed and emerging applications in soft and hard tissue repair are highlighted. The first objective of the book, which consists of a collection of chapters from leading researchers across the globe, is to highlight the role of HA based hydrogels as scaffolds in sustaining stem cells for transplantation and regrowth. The second objective is to detail the significant influence of HA derived materials in the latest advances in cancer therapy, general therapeutics and cosmetics. The third objective is to link the structure-property relationships of HA to medical function and application while reflecting on current clinical and market trends. The book will be of interest to those involved in HA research for medical device and therapeutic applications. Graduate and undergraduate students engaged in the fields of biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, medical science, pharmaceutical science and polymer science will find this book of particular interest.




The Biology of Hyaluronan


Book Description

Presents state-of-the-art applications in hyaluronan research, from hyaluronan's physicochemical properties to its clinical role as a connective tissue marker and its surgical implications, particularly in ear, eye and orthopaedic surgery. Covers hyaluronan's synthesis and catabolism, its role in cells, its interactions with specific binding proteins, and its role in the embryonic nervous system.




Functional Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications


Book Description

Functional Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications examines the fundamentals and properties of these natural materials and their potential biomedical applications. With an emphasis on therapeutic and sensing applications, the book also reviews how polysaccharides can be modified for tissue engineering applications. Sections discuss the basics of polysaccharides, give an overview of the potential applications, look at novel materials and technologies for use in tissue regeneration and therapeutics, and detail current biomedical applications. With a strong focus on materials, engineering and applications, this book is a valuable resource for those with an interest in harnessing the biomedical potential of natural polymers. - Describes strategies for developing polysaccharides-based biomedical devices - Illustrates concepts and encompasses scope for clinical development - Provides advanced and comprehensive information on biomedical constructs




Polysaccharides for Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Applications


Book Description

Cellulose and starch are dry binders for tablets. They are essential for drug formulation and for slow-release to maintain drug concentration in the blood. Unusual excipient uses are described such as protein separation and purification, gene delivery and iron content in human physiology.




Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications


Book Description

Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications provides a fundamental overview of natural polysaccharides, their sources, extraction methodologies, and characterizations. It covers specific natural polysaccharides and their effective application in drug delivery and biomedical use. Additionally, chapters in the book discuss key topics including the sources and extraction methodologies of natural polysaccharides, their role in tissue engineering applications, polysaccharide-based nanoparticles in biomedical applications, and their role in the delivery of anticancer drugs. Written by industry leaders and edited by experts, this book emphasizes recent advances made in the field.Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications provides academics, researchers, and pharmaceutical health care professionals with a comprehensive book on polysaccharides in pharmaceutical delivery process. - Provides fundamental concepts of natural polysaccharides as it applies to the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biotechnology industries - Includes contributions from global leaders and experts from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies in the application of natural polysaccharides in pharmaceutical products and biomedical utilization - Offers practical examples, illustrations, chemical structures, and research case studies to help explain natural polysaccharides concepts in drug delivery and biomedical applications




Polysaccharide Hydrogels


Book Description

Hydrogels are an emerging area of interest in medicine as well as pharmaceutics, and their physico-chemical characterization is fundamental to their practical applications. Compared with synthetic polymers, polysaccharides that are widely present in living organisms and come from renewable sources are extremely advantageous for hydrogel formation.




Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy


Book Description

This first comprehensive overview on nanotechnological approaches to cancer therapy brings together therapeutic oncology and nanotechnology, showing the various strategic approaches to selectively eliminating cancerous cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The strategies covered include magnetic, optical, microwave and neutron absorption techniques, nanocapsules for active agents, nanoparticles as active agents, and active and passive targeting, while also dealing with fundamental aspects of how nanoparticles cross biological barriers. A valuable single source gathering the many articles published in specialized journals often difficult to locate for members of the other disciplines involved.




Nanocellulose and Nanohydrogel Matrices


Book Description

This first book on nanocellulose and nanohydrogels for biomedical applications is unique in discussing recent advancements in the field, resulting in a comprehensive, well-structured overview of nanocellulose and nanohydrogel materials based nanocomposites. The book covers different types of nanocellulose materials and their recent developments in the drug delivery and nanomedicine sector, along with synthesis, characterization, as well as applications in the biotechnological and biomedical fields. The book also covers the current status and future perspectives of bacterial cellulose and polyester hydrogel matrices, their preparation, characterization, and tissue engineering applications of water soluble hydrogel matrices obtained from biodegradable sources. In addition, the chitosan-based hydrogel and nanogel matrices, their involvement in the current biofabrication technologies, and influencing factors towards the biomedical sector of biosensors, biopharmaceuticals, tissue engineering appliances, implant materials, diagnostic probes and surgical aids are very well documented. Further, the history of cellulose-based and conducting polymer-based nanohydrogels, their classification, synthesis methods and applicability to different sectors, the challenges associated with their use, recent advances on the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins are also included. The recent developments and applications in the drug delivery sector gives an overview of facts about the nanofibrillated cellulose and copoly(amino acid) hydrogel matrices in the biotechnology and biomedicine field. This book serves as an essential reference for researchers and academics in chemistry, pharmacy, microbiology, materials science and biomedical engineering.




Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials and Composites


Book Description

With its content taken from only the very latest results, this is an extensive summary of the various polymeric materials used for biomedical applications. Following an introduction listing various functional polymers, including conductive, biocompatible and conjugated polymers, the book goes on to discuss different synthetic polymers that can be used, for example, as hydrogels, biochemical sensors, functional surfaces, and natural degradable materials. Throughout, the focus is on applications, with worked examples for training purposes as well as case studies included. The whole is rounded off with a look at future trends.




Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels Handbook


Book Description

Hydrogels are networks of polymer chains which can produce a colloidal gel containing over 99 per cent water. The superabsorbency and permeability of naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels give this class of materials an amazing array of uses. These uses range from wound dressings and skin grafts to oxygen-permeable contact lenses to biodegradable delivery systems for drugs or pesticides and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels Handbook provides a comprehensive description of this diverse class of materials, covering both synthesis and properties and a broad range of research and commercial applications. The Handbook is divided into four sections: Stimuli-Sensitive Hydrogels, Hydrogels for Drug Delivery, Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering, and Hydrogels with Unique Properties. Key Features: Provides comprehensive coverage of the basic science and applications of a diverse class of materials Includes both naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels Edited and written by world leaders in the field.