Biopolymer Methods In Tissue Engineering

There is an urgent need to develop new approaches to treat conditions as- ciated with the aging global population. The surgeon’s approach to many of these problems could be described as having evolved through three stages: Removal: Traditionally, diseased or badly damaged tissues and structures might simply be removed. This was appropriate for limbs and non-essential organs, but could not be applied to structures that were critical to sustain life. An additional problem was the creation of disability or physical deformity that in turn could lead to further complications. Replacement: In an effort to treat wider clinical problems, or to overcome the limitations of amputation, surgeons turned to the use of implanted materials and medical devices that could replace the functions of biological structures. This field developed rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, with heart valve and total joint replacement becoming common. The term “biomaterial” was used increasingly to describe the materials used in these operations, and the study of biomaterials became one of the first truly interdisciplinary research fields. Today, biomaterials are employed in many millions of clinical procedures each year and they have become the mainstay of a very successful industry.

There is an urgent need to develop new approaches to treat conditions as- ciated with the aging global population. The surgeon’s approach to many of these problems could be described as having evolved through three stages: Removal: Traditionally, diseased or badly damaged tissues and structures might simply be removed. This was appropriate for limbs and non-essential organs, but could not be applied to structures that were critical to sustain life. An additional problem was the creation of disability or physical deformity that in turn could lead to further complications. Replacement: In an effort to treat wider clinical problems, or to overcome the limitations of amputation, surgeons turned to the use of implanted materials and medical devices that could replace the functions of biological structures. This field developed rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, with heart valve and total joint replacement becoming common. The term “biomaterial” was used increasingly to describe the materials used in these operations, and the study of biomaterials became one of the first truly interdisciplinary research fields. Today, biomaterials are employed in many millions of clinical procedures each year and they have become the mainstay of a very successful industry.

The development and application of bioactive nano-structured constructs for tissue regeneration is the focus of the research summarised in this thesis. Moreover, a particular focus is the rational use of supercritical carbon dioxide foaming and electrospinning technologies which can lead to innovative polymeric bioresorbable scaffolds made of hydrolysable (both commercial and ‘ad-hoc’ synthesized) polyesters. Mainly, the author discusses the manipulation of polymer chemical structure and composition to tune scaffold physical properties, and optimization of scaffold 3D architecture by a smart use of both fabrication techniques. The multidisciplinary nature of this research is imperative in pursuing the challenge of tissue regeneration successfully. One of the strengths of this thesis is the integration of knowledge from chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science and biomedical science which has contributed to setting up new national and international collaborations, while strengthening existing ones.

The need for the development of biomaterials as scaffold for tissue regeneration is driven by the increasing demands for materials that mimic functions of extracellular matrices of body tissues. Unfolding the Biopolymer Landscape provides a unique account of “biopolymeric interventions” inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications. Chapters in this volume also cover biomedical applications and implications of cationic polymers, collagen-based substrates, multifunctional polymers, shape memory biopolymers, hybrid semisynthetic biomaterials, microbial exopolysaccharides, biomaterials mimicking the extracellular microenvironment, derivatized polysaccharides, and metallic biomaterials. Each chapter is distinctly written by experts in the respective fields and emphasis is given on the mechanistic profile of the performance of biopolymers and biomedical applications. This book provides both basic and advanced biopolymer information for scientific experts and early career researchers in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, nanomedicine, food technology, peptide science, biomaterial design, and nutrition. This volume provides a unique account of “biopolymeric interventions” inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Over the past decade, significant advances in the fields of stem cell biology, bioengineering, and animal models have converged on the discipline of regenerative medicine. Significant progress has been made leading from pre-clinical studies through phase 3 clinical trials for some therapies. This volume provides a state-of-the-art report on tissue engineering toward the goals of tissue and organ restoration and regeneration. Examples from different organ systems illustrate progress with growth factors to assist in tissue remodeling; the capacity of stem cells for restoring damaged tissues; novel synthetic biomaterials to facilitate cell therapy; transplantable tissue patches that preserve three-dimensional structure; synthetic organs generated in culture; aspects of the immune response to transplanted cells and materials; and suitable animal models for non-human clinical trials. The chapters of this book are organized into six sections: Stem Cells, Biomaterials and the Extracellular Environment, Engineered Tissue, Synthetic Organs, Immune Response, and Animal Models. Each section is intended to build upon information presented in the previous chapters, and set the stage for subsequent sections. Throughout the chapters, the reader will observe a common theme of basic discovery informing clinical translation, and clinical studies in animals and humans guiding subsequent experiments at the bench.

This comprehensive book provides up-to-date information on the developments in the field of biopolymers. Close attention has been paid to include all the important aspects that are necessary to understand the field. The book introduces the reader with the progress in the field, followed by outlining its applications in different areas. Different methods and techniques of synthesis and characterization are detailed as individual chapters. Various mode and mechanism of degradation of materials will be discussed. There is a dedicated chapter on industrially available biopolymers and their applications and well as a chapter detailing the ongoing research, current trends and future challenges. Unlike other books, this book consists of information that is useful for students who are interested in biotech and polymer research. Each chapter will explain the science and technology from the inception to advance state of the art available to date. This book will also be useful for the researcher involved in the high-tech research as it will provide them the up-to-date information available in this field.

Provides insight into biopolymers, their physicochemical properties, and their biomedical and biotechnological applications This comprehensive book is a one-stop reference for the production, modifications, and assessment of biopolymers. It highlights the technical and methodological advancements in introducing biopolymers, their study, and promoted applications. "Biopolymers for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications" begins with a general overview of biopolymers, properties, and biocompatibility. It then provides in-depth information in three dedicated sections: Biopolymers through Bioengineering and Biotechnology Venues; Polymeric Biomaterials with Wide Applications; and Biopolymers for Specific Applications. Chapters cover: advances in biocompatibility; advanced microbial polysaccharides; microbial cell factories for biomanufacturing of polysaccharides; exploitation of exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria; and the new biopolymer for biomedical application called nanocellulose. Advances in mucin biopolymer research are presented, along with those in the synthesis of fibrous proteins and their applications. The book looks at microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), as well as natural and synthetic biopolymers in drug delivery and tissue engineering. It finishes with a chapter on the current state and applications of, and future trends in, biopolymers in regenerative medicine. * Offers a complete and thorough treatment of biopolymers from synthesis strategies and physiochemical properties to applications in industrial and medical biotechnology * Discusses the most attracted biopolymers with wide and specific applications * Takes a systematic approach to the field which allows readers to grasp and implement strategies for biomedical and biotechnological applications "Biopolymers for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications" appeals to biotechnologists, bioengineers, and polymer chemists, as well as to those working in the biotechnological industry and institutes.

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