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

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Organic Micro- and Nanostructures provides an updated perspective on recent research regarding the use of organic particles in biomedical applications. The different types of organic micro- and nanostructures are discussed, as are innovative applications and new synthesis methods. As biomedical applications of organic micro- and nanostructures are very diverse and their impact on modern and future therapy, diagnosis and prophylaxis of diseases is huge, this book presents a timely resource on the topic. Users will find the latest information on cancer and gene therapy, diagnosis, drug delivery, green synthesis of nano- and microparticles, and much more. - Provides knowledge of the range of organic micro- and nanostructures available, enabling the reader to make optimal materials selection decisions - Presents detailed information on current and proposed applications of the latest biomedical materials - Places a strong emphasis on the characterization, production and use of organic nanoparticles in biomedicine, such as gene therapy, DNA interaction and cancer management

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Hydrogels and Polymer-Based Scaffolds discusses the use of a wide variety of hydrogels as bioactive scaffolds in regenerative medicine, including updates on innovative materials and their properties. Various types of currently investigated scaffolding materials and hydrogels are discussed, as is their future roles and applications, the main techniques for scaffold fabrication, and their characterization procedures. Readers will be able to use this book as a guide for the selection of the best materials for a specific application. - Provides a valuable resource of recent scientific progress, highlighting the most well-known applications of hydrogels as bioactive scaffolds in regenerative medicine - Includes novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in biomaterials, and in related biomedical industries - Features at least 50% of references from the last 2-3 years

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.

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Biopolymer Fibers discusses the use of biopolymer fibers in the development of biomedical applications. It provides a recent review of the main types of polymeric fibers and their impact in biomedicine and related fields. The development of different instruments, such as sensors, medical fibers, and textiles are discussed, along with how they greatly benefited by progress made in polymeric fibers. The book provides a comprehensive and updated reference on the latest research in the field of biopolymers and their composites in relation to medical applications. - Provides a valuable resource of recent scientific progress, highlighting the application and use of polymeric fibers in biomedical engineering that can be used by researchers, engineers and academics - Includes novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in biopolymers by companies, biomedical industries, and other sectors - Features at least 50% of references from the last 2-3 years

Nanobiomaterials in Soft Tissue Engineering brings together recent developments and the latest approaches in the field of soft tissue engineering at the nanoscale, offering a new perspective on the evolution of current and future applications. Leading researchers from around the world present the latest research and share new insights. This book covers the major conventional and unconventional fabrication methods of typical three-dimensional scaffolds used in regenerative medicine. Surface modification and spatial properties are included in an up-to-date overview, with the latest in vivo applications of engineered 3D scaffolds discussed. The book also considers the impact, advantages and future scope of the various methods. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians. - An informative handbook for researchers, practitioners and students working in biomedical, biotechnological and engineering fields. - A detailed and invaluable overview of soft tissue engineering, including the most recent scientific developments. - Proposes novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in nanomedicine and nanobiology.

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.

This book is concerned with polymeric hydrogels, which are considered as one of the most promising types of new polymer-based materials. Each chapter in this book describes a selected class of polymeric hydrogels, such as superabsorbent hybrid nanohydrogels, conducting polymer hydrogels, polysaccharide-based or protein-based hydrogels, or gels based on synthetic polymers. In this way, the book also addresses some of the fascinating properties and applications of polymeric hydrogels: they are three-dimensional, hydrophilic, polymeric networks that can absorb, swell and retain large quantities of water or aqueous fluids. In combination with metal nanoparticles, nanofibrils or nanowhiskers, which may be embedded in the gels, they find widespread applications, ranging from agriculture, and waste water treatment, over electronics, to pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Applications mentioned in this book include electro sensors, capacitors, electromechanical actuators, and even artificial muscles.

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.

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.