Handbook Of Polymers In Medicine

Handbook of Polymers in Medicine combines core concepts and advanced research on polymers, providing a better understanding of this class of materials in medicine. The book covers all aspects of medical polymers from characteristics and biocompatibility, to the diverse array of applications in medicine. Chapters cover an introduction to polymers in medicine and the challenges associated with biocompatibility in human tissue, polyurethane and supramolecular polymers and their specific applications in medicine, from tissue regeneration to orthopedic surgery and cancer therapeutics. This book offers an interdisciplinary approach that will appeal to researchers in a range of disciplines, including biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, pharmacology and translational medicine. The book will also make a useful reference for clinicians and those in medical fields who are interested in materials for medical applications, as well as R&D groups involved in medical device design. Systematically covers individual polymer classes, from characteristics and biocompatibility to applications in biomedicine Covers a broad range of applications in medicine, such as cardiac tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, dentistry, and more Provides an interdisciplinary review of polymers in medicine, allowing advanced students and experienced researchers in a range of biomedical and clinical fields to learn more about this fast-evolving area

The design and development of tissue-engineered products has benefited from many years of clinical utilization of a wide range of biodegradable polymers. Newly developed biodegradable polymers and modifications of previously developed biodegradable polymers have enhanced the tools available for creating clinically important tissue-engineering applications. Insights gained from studies of cell-matrix interactions, cell-cell signaling, and organization of cellular components, are placing increased demands on medical implants to interact with the patient’s tissue in a more biologically appropriate fashion. Whereas in the twentieth century biocompatibility was largely equated with eliciting no harmful response, the biomaterials of the twenty first century will have to elicit tissue responses that support healing or regeneration of the patient’s own tissue. This chapter surveys the universe of those biodegradable polymers that may be useful in the development of medical implants and tissue-engineered products. Here, we distinguish between biologically derived polymers and synthetic polymers. The materials are described in terms of their chemical composition, breakdown products, mechanism of breakdown, mechanical properties, and clinical limitations. Also discussed are product design considerations in processing of biomaterials into a final form (e.g., gel, membrane, matrix) that will effect the desired tissue response.

While the prevalence of plastics and elastomers in medical devices is now quite well known, there is less information available covering the use of medical devices and the applications of polymers beyond medical devices, such as in hydrogels, biopolymers and silicones beyond enhancement applications, and few books in which these are combined into a single reference. This book is a comprehensive reference source, bringing together a number of key medical polymer topics in one place for a broad audience of engineers and scientists, especially those currently developing new medical devices or seeking more information about current and future applications. In addition to a broad range of applications, the book also covers clinical outcomes and complications arising from the use of the polymers in the body, giving engineers a vital insight into the real world implications of the devices they’re creating. Regulatory issues are also covered in detail. The book also presents the latest developments on the use of polymers in medicine and development of nano-scale devices. Gathers discussions of a large number of applications of polymers in medicine in one place Provides an insight into both the legal and clinical implications of device design Relevant to industry, academic and medical professionals Presents the latest developments in the field, including medical devices on a nano-scale

Handbook of Polymers, Second Edition, presents normalized, up-to-date polymer data in a consistent and easily referenceable layout. This new edition represents an update of the available data, including new values for many commercially available products, verification of existing data, and removal of older data where it is no longer useful. The book includes data on all major polymeric materials used by the plastics industry and all branches of the chemical industry, as well as specialty polymers used in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical, and space fields. The entire scope of the data is divided into sections to make data comparison and search easy, including synthesis, physical, mechanical, and rheological properties, chemical resistance, toxicity and environmental impact, and more. The data enables engineers and materials scientists to solve practical problems, be that in applications, research and development, or legislation. The most current grades of materials have been selected to provide readers with information that is characteristic of currently available products. Includes practical data on the most widely used polymers for engineers and materials scientists in design, manufacture, and applications research Presents data on polymer synthesis, properties, chemical resistance, processing, and their related environmental impacts Provides a comprehensive update to the data, including new information and the verification of existing datasets

Biomaterials are an indispensable element in improving human health and quality of life. Applications of biomaterials include diagnostics (gene arrays and biosensors), medical supplies (blood bags and surgical tools), therapeutic treatments (medical implants and devices), and emerging regenerative medicine (tissue-engineered skin and cartilage). Polymers, being organic, offer a versatility that is unmatched by metals and ceramics. The wide spectrum of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties provided by polymers has fueled the extensive research, development, and applications of polymeric biomaterials. The significance of polymers as biomaterials is reflected in the market size of medical polymers, estimated to be approximately $1 billion. Many of these polymers were initially developed as plastics, elastomers, and fibers for nonmedical industrial applications, but were later developed as biomedical-specific materials. With rapid growth in modern biology and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts, polymeric biomaterials are being fashioned into bioactive and biomimetic materials, with excellent biocompatibility.

This chapter will present a look at the medical device market with a particular focus on the materials of construction of devices and what we can expect in new products looking ahead. A deeper look at some other trends that have an effect on the direction of the medical device industry will be done. Finally, consideration will be given to a number of global factors that can have dramatic effects on our industry.

Silicone materials have been widely used in medicine for over 60 years. Available in a variety of material types, they have unique chemical and physical properties that manifest in excellent biocompatibility and biodurability for many applications. Silicone elastomers have remarkably low glass-transition temperatures and maintain their flexibility over a wide temperature range, enabling them to withstand conditions from cold storage to steam autoclaving. They have high permeability to gases and many drugs, advantageous respectively in wound care or in transdermal drug delivery. They have low surface tension and remarkable chemical stability, enabling biocompatibility and biodurability in many long-term implant applications.

Handbook of Polymers, Third Edition represents an update on available data, including new values for many commercially available products, verification of existing data, and removal of older data where it is no longer useful. Polymers selected for this edition include all primary polymeric materials used by the plastics and chemical industries and specialty polymers used in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical and aerospace fields, with extensive information also provided on biopolymers. The book includes data on all polymeric materials used by the plastics industry and branches of the chemical industry, as well as specialty polymers in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical and space fields. The entire scope of the data is divided into sections to make data comparison and search easy, including synthesis, physical, mechanical, and rheological properties, chemical resistance, toxicity, environmental impact, and more. Provides key data on all primary polymeric materials used in a wide range of industries and applications Presents easy-to-access data divided into sections, making comparisons and search simple and intuitive Includes data on general properties, history, synthesis, structure, physical properties, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, flammability, weather stability, toxicity, and more