This volume presents the recent developments on the biomedical applications of chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan exhibits unique properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Since its chemical structure and properties can be easily modified, it can be an ideal candidate as a biomaterial. Consequently, chitosan and its derivatives are being developed in different forms such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanofibers, hydrogels, films and 3D porous materials for various biomedical applications, ranging from drug and gene delivery to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The chapters of this volume focus on the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives as a hemostatic agent, tissue sealants, tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery carriers for bioactive molecules in bone tissue engineering and wound dressings. Some chapter’s deal with recent advancements of chitosan-based biomaterials as a drug, gene and transdermal drug delivery carrier. In addition, the volume focusses on the prospects of chitosan-based systems for the treatment of cancer, eye and other infectious diseases. The volume will be of interest to material scientists, chemists and biotechnologists by providing a better understanding of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives to develop more appropriate and innovative chitosan-based materials modified for unlimited practical applications in biomedical fields.

This volume presents the recent developments on the biomedical applications of chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan exhibits unique properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Since its chemical structure and properties can be easily modified, it can be an ideal candidate as a biomaterial. Consequently, chitosan and its derivatives are being developed in different forms such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanofibers, hydrogels, films and 3D porous materials for various biomedical applications, ranging from drug and gene delivery to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The chapters of this volume focus on the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives as a hemostatic agent, tissue sealants, tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery carriers for bioactive molecules in bone tissue engineering and wound dressings. Some chapter's deal with recent advancements of chitosan-based biomaterials as a drug, gene and transdermal drug delivery carrier. In addition, the volume focusses on the prospects of chitosan-based systems for the treatment of cancer, eye and other infectious diseases. The volume will be of interest to material scientists, chemists and biotechnologists by providing a better understanding of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives to develop more appropriate and innovative chitosan-based materials modified for unlimited practical applications in biomedical fields.

Chitosan Based Biomaterials: Fundamentals, Volume 1, provides the latest information on chitosan, a natural polymer derived from the marine material chitin. Chitosan displays unique properties, most notably biocompatibility and biodegradability. It can also be easily tuned to modify its structure or properties, making chitosan an excellent candidate as a biomaterial. Consequently, chitosan is being developed for many biomedical functions, ranging from tissue engineering and implant coatings to drug and gene delivery. This book looks at the fundamentals of chitosan-based biomaterials. - Contains specific focus on the techniques and technologies needed to develop chitosan for biomedical applications - Presents a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals - Provides contributions from leading researchers with extensive experience in chitosan

This CT Volume contains 11 contributed papers from the following 2013 Materials Science and Technology (MS&T'13) symposia: Next Generation Biomaterials Surface Properties of Biomaterials

Polymeric Bionanocomposites as Promising Materials for Controlled Drug, by M. Prabaharan, R. Jayakumar; Chitosan and Chitosan Derivatives in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, by R. Riva, H. Ragelle, A. des Rieux, N. Duhem, C. Jérôme, and V. Préat; Chitosan: A Promising Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds, by P. K. Dutta, K. Rinki and J. Dutta; Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Repair and Regeneration, by X. Liu, L. Ma, Z. Mao and C. Gao; Use of Chitosan as a Bioactive Implant Coating for Bone-Implant Applications, by M. R. Leedy, H. J. Martin, P. A. Norowski, J. A. Jennings, W. O. Haggard, and J.D. Bumgardner; New Techniques for Optimization of Surface Area and Porosity in Nanochitins and Nanochitosans, by R. A. A. Muzzarelli; Production, Properties and Applications of Fungal Cell Wall Polysaccharides: Chitosan and Glucan, by N. New, T. Furuike, and H. Tamura;

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

Vietnam is a rapidly developing, socially dynamic country, where interest in biomedical engineering activities has grown considerably in recent years. The leadership of the Vietnamese government, and of research and educational institutions, are well aware of the importance of this field for the development of the country and have instituted policies to promote its development. The political, economic and social environment within the country offers unique opportunities for the international community and this conference was intended to provide a vehicle for the sharing of experiences; development of support and collaboration networks for research; and exchange of ideas on how to improve the educational and entrepreneurial environment to better address the urgent needs of Vietnam. In January 2004, under the sponsorship of the U.S. National Science Foundation, a U.S. delegation that consisted of Biomedical Engineering professors from different universities in the United States, visited several universities and research institutions in Vietnam to assess the state of development of this field. This delegation proposed a five year plan that was enthusiastically embraced by the international scientific communities to actively develop collaborations with Vietnam. Within this framework, in July 2005, the First International Conference on the Development of Biomedical Engineering in Vietnam was held in Ho Chi Minh City. From that conference a Consortium of Vietnam-International Universities was created to advise and assist the development of Biomedical Engineering in Vietnamese universities.

Unique book presenting the latest advancements and applications of chitosan-based hydrogels and composite materials in biotechnology, environmental studies, food, medicine, water treatments, drug delivery. This book delves deeply in to the preparation, characterization and multiple applications of chitin and chitosan. The 17 chapters written by leading experts is an excellent reference source and state-of-the-art review for researchers and scientists using chitosan or biopolymers in their respective areas. This book is divided into following sections: Production and derivatives of chitosan Chitosan in the textile and food industries Chitosan in biomedical applications Chitosan in agriculture and water treatment The book is practical and readers will be able to see descriptions of chitosan production methods as well as techniques that can be used to estimate and modify their physical and chemical properties. It provides a full description not only of the traditional and recent developments in the applications of chitosan in the fields of biotechnology, environmental studies, food, medicine, water treatments, drug delivery, but it includes all of the therapeutic usages as well.

A natural long-chain polymer, chitin is the main component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods (including crustaceans and insects), the radulas of mollusks, and the beaks and internal shells of cephalopods. However, marine crustacean shells are the primary sources of the chitin derivative chitosan. Chitin and chitosan are useful for various biological and biomedical applications, although they have been limited by poor solubility in the past. Current research focuses on increasing their solubility and bioactivity through molecular modifications. The resulting derivatives are receiving much attention for interesting properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nontoxicity, that make them suitable for use in the biomedical field. Chitin and Chitosan Derivatives: Advances in Drug Discovery and Developments presents current research trends in the synthesis of chitin and chitosan derivatives, their biological activities, and their biomedical applications. Part I discusses basic information about the synthesis and characterization of a variety of derivatives, including the preparation of chitin nanofibers. Part II covers chitin and chitosan modifications as the basis for biological applications. It describes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activities. Part III addresses chemically modified and composite materials of chitin and chitosan derivatives for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and wound dressing. A must-have reference for novices and experts in biotechnology, natural products, materials science, nutraceuticals, and biomedical engineering, this book presents a wide range of biological and biomedical applications of chitin and chitosan derivatives for drug discovery and development.

Biology and Engineering of Stem Cell Niches covers a wide spectrum of research and current knowledge on embryonic and adult stem cell niches, focusing on the understanding of stem cell niche molecules and signaling mechanisms, including cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions. The book comprehensively reviews factors regulating stem cell behavior and the corresponding approaches for understanding the subsequent effect of providing the proper matrix molecules, mechanical cues, and/or chemical cues. It encompasses a variety of tools and techniques for developing biomaterials-based methods to model synthetic stem cell niches in vivo, or to enhance and direct stem cell fate in vitro. A final section of the book discusses stem cell niche bioengineering strategies and current advances in each tissue type. - Includes the importance of Cell-Cell and Cell Matrix Interactions in each specific tissue and system - Authored and edited by authorities in this emerging and multidisciplinary field - Includes valuable links to 5-10 minute YouTube© author videos that describe main points