Polymer Capsules

Polymers are one of the most versatile and important materials used for capsule preparation despite various others available. Suitably formulated capsules can securely protect ingredients, deliver them to targeted sites, and release them expeditiously, improving functions and minimizing adverse effects. New polymers are constantly being explored to develop more efficient capsules as they are routinely used in pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, nutrients, and food. This book focuses on the current state of the art of polymer-based capsules and delivery systems. It describes the formulation processes of capsules developed from redox-responsive polymers and polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes, in addition to shedding light on coacervation of polymers for encapsulation. It reviews different active ingredients that can be used with polymer capsules in various products, encapsulation of essential oils using such capsules, and development of polymer capsules of cells and bacteriophages.

Annotation The review focuses on the use of pharmaceutical polymer for controlled drug delivery applications. Examples of pharmaceutical polymers and the principles of controlled drug delivery are outlined and applications of polymers for controlled drug delivery are described. The field of controlled drug delivery is vast therefore this review aims to provide an overview of the applications of pharmaceutical polymers. The review is accompanied by approximately 250 abstracts taken from papers and books in the Rapra Polymer Library database, to facilitate further reading on this subject.

Updated and expanded second edition covers all aspects of capsule technology, including history, standards, methods and equipment used in manufacture, filling, printing, weighing, cleaning and inspecting of both hard and soft capsules.

The manipulation of fluids in channels with dimensions in the range from tens to hundreds of micrometers – microfluidics – has recently emerged as a new field of science and technology. Microfluidics has applications spanning analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, cell biology, optics and information technology. One particularly promising application is the microfluidic synthesis of polymer particles with precisely controlled dimensions, and a variety of shapes, morphologies and compositions. Written as a comprehensive introduction for scientists and engineers working in microfabrication and microfluidics, Microfluidic Reactors for Polymer Particles covers topics such as: Applications and methods of generation of polymer particles Physics of microfluidic emulsification Formation of droplets in microfluidic systems High-throughput microfluidic systems for formation of droplets Microfluidic production of polymer particles and hydrogel particles Polymer capsules Synthesis of polymer particles with non-conventional shapes This book is intended for a broad audience, including students, researchers and engineers in industry, with interests in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering or biotechnology.

This book reviews state of the art of polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine and highlights advances in both fundamental science and clinical practice. It summarizes the latest techniques in polymeric scaffold fabrication, delivery carriers, physiochemical property modulation, as well as their influence on the adhesion and performance of biomolecules, cells, and tissues. It also describes methods for creating biofunctional surfaces/interfaces and subsequently modulating the host response to implantable materials. Lastly, it discusses the applications of biomaterials and constructs in soft-tissue regenerative medicine. It is a valuable resource for materials scientists and engineers wishing to identify research priorities to fulfill clinical needs and provides physicians with insights into emerging novel biomaterials. This integrated approach also offers engineering students a sense of the relevance of materials science in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In the second edition, most of the chapters are updated according to the latest progress of this research field. A new chapter on nerve regeneration is also included.

Handbook of Nanomaterials for Cancer Theranostics focuses on recent developments in advanced theranostic nanomedicines from a chemical and biological perspective where the advantages of theranostics are achieved by combining multiple components. The authors explore the pros and cons of theranostic nanomaterials developed in cancer research in the last 15 years, with the different strategies compared and scrutinized. In addition, the book explores how nanomaterials may overcome the regulatory hurdles facing theranostic nanomedicines. This is an important research reference for postgraduates and researchers in nanomedicine and cancer research who want to learn more on how nanomaterials can help create more effective cancer treatments. Highlights the development of smart theranostic nanomaterials to tackle biomedical problems in cancer therapy and diagnostics Explores the regulatory hurdles facing theranostic nanomedicine Discusses how the use of nanomaterials can help create more effective cancer treatments

Containing more than 2600 references and over 550 equations, drawings, tables, photographs, and micrographs, This book describes hierarchical assemblies in biology and biological processes that occur at the nanoscale across membranes and at interfaces. It covers recurrent themes in nanocolloid science, including self-assembly, construction of supramolecular architecture, nanoconfinement and compartmentalization, measurement and control of interfacial forces, novel synthetic materials, and computer simulation. The authors reviews surface forces apparatus measurements of two-dimensional organized ensembles at solid-liquid interfaces.

Self-healing is a well-known phenomenon in nature: a broken bone merges after some time and if skin is damaged, the wound will stop bleeding and heals again. This concept can be mimicked in order to create polymeric materials with the ability to regenerate after they have suffered degradation or wear. Already realized applications are used in aerospace engineering, and current research in this fascinating field shows how different self-healing mechanisms proven successful by nature can be adapted to produce even more versatile materials. The book combines the knowledge of an international panel of experts in the field and provides the reader with chemical and physical concepts for self-healing polymers, including aspects of biomimetic processes of healing in nature. It shows how to design self-healing polymers and explains the dynamics in these systems. Different self-healing concepts such as encapsulated systems and supramolecular systems are detailed. Chapters on analysis and friction detection in self-healing polymers and on applications round off the book.