Biomedical Polymers

Given the rapid development and use of biomaterials, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the structure, processing and properties of biomedical polymers and their medical applications. With its distinguished editor and team of international contributors, Biomedical Polymers reviews the latest research on this important group of biomaterials. The book discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non bio-degradable polymers and their applications. Chapters review 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. Biomedical polymers is an essential reference for scientists and all those concerned with the development and use of this important group of biomaterials Reviews the latest research in this important group of biomaterials Discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers and their applications Examines the use of biomedical polymers in such areas as drug delivery systems and cell encapsulation

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

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

This book is intended to provide a fundamental basis for the study of the interaction of polymers with living systems, biochemicals, and with aqueous solutions. The surface chemistry and physics of polymeric materials is a subject not normally covered to any significant extent in classical surface chemistry textbooks. Many of the assumptions of classical surface chemistry are invalid when applied to polymer surfaces. Surface properties of polymers are important in the development of medical devices and diagnostic products. Surface properties are also of vital importance in fields such as adhesion, paints and coatings, polymer-filler interactions, heterogeneous catalysis, composites, and polymers for energy generation. The book begins with a chapter considering the current sources of information on polymer surface chemistry and physics. It moves on to consider the question of the dynamics of polymer surfaces and the implica tions of polymer surface dynamics on all subsequent characterization and interfacial studies. Two chapters are directed toward the question of model polymers for preparing model surfaces and interfaces. Complete treatments of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy are given. There is a detailed treatment of the contact angle with particular emphasis on contact angle hysteresis in aqueous systems, followed by chapters on interfacial electrochemistry and interface acid-base charge-transfer properties. The very difficult problem of block and graft copolymer surfaces is also discussed. The problem of theoretical calculations of surface and interfacial tensions is presented. Raman spectroscopy is considered as an analytical technique for polymer surface characterization.

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Absorbable Polymers provides a detailed and comprehensive review of recent progress in absorbable biopolymers and their impact on biomedical engineering. The book's main focus lies in their classification, processing, properties and performance, biocompatibility, and their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bone repair and regenerative medicine. The most up-to-date methods used to obtain such polymers and how to improve their properties is discussed in detail. This book provides readers with a comprehensive and updated review of the latest research in the field of absorbable polymers for biomedical applications. Provides knowledge of the range of absorbable polymers currently available, enabling the reader to make optimal materials selection decisions Presents detailed information on current and proposed applications of the latest developments Includes a strong emphasis on chemistry and physico-chemical characterization of these materials and their application in biomedical engineering

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.

Characterization of Polymeric Biomaterials presents a comprehensive introduction on the topic before discussing the morphology and surface characterization of biomedical polymers. The structural, mechanical, and biological characterization is described in detail, followed by invaluable case studies of polymer biomaterial implants. With comprehensive coverage of both theoretical and experimental information, this title will provide scientists with an essential guide on the topic of these materials which are regularly used for clinical applications, such as implants and drug delivery devices. However, a range of novel polymers and the development and modification of existing medical polymers means that there is an ongoing need to satisfy particular design requirements. This book explains the critical and fundamentals methods to characterize polymer materials for biomedical applications. Presents a self-contained reference on the characterization of polymeric biomaterials Provides comprehensive information on how to characterize biomedical polymers in order to improve design and synthesis Includes useful case studies that demonstrate the characterization of biomaterial implants

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.