Plant And Algal Hydrogels For Drug Delivery And Regenerative Medicine

Plant and Algal Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine offers a materials-focused and systematic overview of biopolymeric hydrogels utilized for biomedical applications. The book details the synthesis and characterization of plant and algal-based hydrogels, with each chapter addressing a separate polysaccharide hydrogel type. Specific applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine are also discussed, highlighting the efficacy, biocompatibility, benefits and challenges for each polysaccharide hydrogel subtype. There is increasing demand for biomaterials which reduce/prevent the host response, inflammation and rejection, hence this book provides a timely resource. Biopolymeric hydrogels have skyrocketed because of their necessity in in vivo applications. They create an environment similar to living tissue, which is both biocompatible and biodegradable. Plant and algal polysaccharides in particular are well-equipped with functional groups that are easily modified for beneficial results. Systematically covers each plant and algal polysaccharide hydrogel subtype, from starch-based hydrogels to pectin and alginate-based hydrogels Provides an end-to-end description of the synthesis, characterization and application of biopolymeric hydrogels for drug delivery and regenerative medicine Appeals to a diverse readership, including those in biomedicine, pharmacy, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, and other biotechnology related disciplines

Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.

Polysaccharide Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine is an archival reference for researchers, students and scientists working on hydrogels based on microbial and animal sources. The book contains Information regarding their synthesis, characterization, and applications in the field of drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Each chapter addresses a separate polysaccharide hydrogel and its suitability in drug delivery and/or regenerative medicine. This is a novel resource that brings together a panel of highly accomplished experts in the field of natural polysaccharides to discuss basic causes and specific problems related to drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Presents detailed practical and theoretical concepts Includes fundamentals and methodologies for hydrogel preparation Covers all hydrogels and specific applications in the field of drug delivery and tissue engineering

Great strides have been made in the area of hydrogel science since the first hydrogels were described in the 1960s. Hydrogels usually consist of three-dimensional matrices of hydrophilic polymers, held together by chemical or physical crosslinks, or supramolecular assemblies of small amphiphilic molecules. The gelation process occurs in response to a physical or chemical stimulus, such as temperature, pH, electric or magnetic field, enzymatic modification, light, and others. Consisting of mainly water molecules, they represent a unique class of materials, with many applications such as cell therapeutics, cartilage/bone regeneration, sustained drug release and drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and 3D bioprinting. Despite these great strides, there is still much more to discover in this area. This Special Issue is focused on the use of hydrogels in tissue and bone regeneration. Hydrogels are particularly suited for this purpose as their physical characteristics resemble that of the extracellular matrix; as such, they have found applications as an extracellular medium for cancer cells, stem cells, and neuronal cells. This Special Issue also includes research papers on the other biomedical applications of hydrogels.

This reference book provides a comprehensive overview of natural gums, resins, and latexes of plants with a focus on their chemistry, biological activities, and practical uses. The content is divided into five main sections each of which contains chapters contributed from valuable experts in their field. Naturally occuring plant products have quite diverse applications in many different industries. The book aims to highlight the important aspects of plant-based gums, resins and latexes as well as provide a strategic framework for further research and development activities on these bioproducts. It will appeal to a broad audience such as biologists, pharmacologists, pharmacists, food technologists and medical practitioners. It is also a useful resource for research investigators of the healthcare industry, academia and students of biomedical sciences.

Key Features: Details the source, production, structures, properties, and current and potential applications of polysaccharides. Discusses general strategies of isolation, separation and characterization of polysaccharides. Describes botanical, algal, animal, and microbial sources of polysaccharides. Demonstrates the importance of carbohydrates in new lead generation. Highlights the range of possibilities for polysaccharides to make real-world impact.

Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook: Processing, Sustainability, Materials, and Applications, Third Edition presents the fundamentals of plastics engineering, helping bring readers up-to-speed on new plastics, materials, processing and technology. This revised and expanded edition includes the latest developments in plastics, including areas such as biodegradable and biobased plastics, plastic waste, smart polymers, and 3D printing. Sections cover traditional plastics, elastomeric materials, bio-based materials, additives, colorants, fillers and plastics processing, including various key technologies, plastic recycling and waste. The final part of the book examines design and applications, with substantial updates made to reflect advancements in technology, regulations, and commercialization. Throughout the handbook, the focus is on engineering aspects of producing and using plastics. Properties of plastics are explained, along with techniques for testing, measuring, enhancing, and analyzing them. Practical introductions to both core topics and new developments make this work equally valuable for newly qualified plastics engineers seeking the practical rules-of-thumb they don't teach you in school and experienced practitioners evaluating new technologies or getting up-to-speed in a new field. Offers an ideal reference for new engineers, experienced practitioners and researchers entering a new field or evaluating a new technology Provides an authoritative source of practical advice, presenting guidance that will lead to cost savings and process improvements Includes the latest technology, covering 3D printing, smart polymers and thorough coverage of biobased and biodegradable plastics

Polymers for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications: Fundamentals, Selection, and Preparation supports the successful selection, design, and development of polymers with the required properties and performance for a range of advanced pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The book begins by introducing polymers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, examining classification, basic properties, structures, and grades. This is followed by in-depth chapters focusing on synthesis and modification, characterization techniques, and dissolution and solubility of polymers for pharmaceutical applications. Key applications are then highlighted, with chapters explaining in detail the preparation of polymers for conventional dosage, modified drug delivery, conjugates, advanced drug and gene delivery, medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, tissue engineering, artificial organs, and dentistry. Throughout the book, the aim is to provide accessible, step-by-step coverage, supported by diagrams and case studies. Finally, safety and regulatory aspects are discussed. This is a valuable resource for all those who are newly approaching the field of polymers and product development for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. This includes researchers and advanced students across polymer science, pharmaceutical science, biomaterials, biomedicine, healthcare, and chemistry, and scientists and R&D professionals in an industrial setting. Explains fundamental concepts relating to the synthesis, modification, and characterization of polymers Guides the reader towards successful selection of polymer systems for specific target applications Addresses key challenges in this field that are supported by case studies and regulatory information