The term biomimetic is comparatively new on the chemical scene, but the concept has been utilized by chemists for many years. Furthermore, the basic idea of making a synthetic material that can imitate the func tions of natural materials probably could be traced back into antiquity. From the dawn of creation, people have probably attempted to duplicate or modify the activities of the natural world. (One can even find allusions to these attempts in the Bible; e. g. , Genesis 30. ) The term "mimetic" means to imitate or mimic. The word "mimic" means to copy closely, or to imitate accurately. Biomimetic, which has not yet entered most dictionaries, means to imitate or mimic some specific bio logical function. Usually, the objective of biomimetics is to form some useful material without the need of utilizing living systems. In a simi lar manner, the term biomimetic polymers means creating synthetic poly mers which imitate the activity of natural bioactive polymers. This is a major advance in polymer chemistry because the natural bioactive polymers are the basis of life itself. Thus, biomimetic polymers imitate the life process in many ways. This present volume delineates some of the recent progress being made in this vast field of biomimetic polymers. Chemists have been making biomimetic polymers for more than fifty years, although this term wasn't used in the early investigations.

Here, front-line researchers in the booming field of nanobiotechnology describe the most promising approaches for bioinspired drug delivery, encompassing small molecule delivery, delivery of therapeutic proteins and gene delivery. The carriers surveyed include polymeric, proteinaceous and lipid systems on the nanoscale, with a focus on their adaptability for different cargoes and target tissues. Thanks to the broad coverage of carriers as well as cargoes discussed, every researcher in the field will find valuable information here.

Market: Students and researchers in geophysics, astronomy, and astrophysics. This book reports on the timely Earth Observing System (EOS) Program's wide range of scientific investigations, observational capabilities, vast data and information system, and educational activities. Because its primary goal is to determine the extent, causes, and regional consequences of global climate change, this program provides the scientific knowledge needed by world leaders to formulate sound and equitable environmental policies.

The accessible introduction to biomaterials and their applications in tissue replacement, medical devices, and more Molecular and cell biology is being increasingly integrated into the search for high-performance biomaterials and biomedical devices, transforming a formerly engineering- and materials science–based field into a truly interdisciplinary area of investigation. Biomimetic, Bioresponsive, and Bioactive Materials presents a comprehensive introduction to biomaterials, discussing how they are selected, designed, and modified for integration with living tissue and how they can be utilized in the development of medical devices, orthopedics, and other related areas. Examining the physico chemical properties of widely used biomaterials and their uses in different clinical fields, the book explores applications including soft and hard tissue replacement; biointeractive metals, polymers, and ceramics; and in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo biocompatibility tests and clinical trials. The book critically assesses the clinical level of research in the field, not only presenting proven research, but also positing new avenues of exploration. Biomimetic, Bioresponsive, and Bioactive Materials contains everything needed to get a firm grasp on materials science, fast. Written in an accessible style and including practice questions that test comprehension of the material covered in each chapter, the book is an invaluable tool for students as well as professionals new to the field.

* Provides new insights into materials science * Indicates the value of biology in materials science * Demonstrates how new interdisciplinary studies are influencing the fields of materials science and chemistry * Surveys this new field and shows what progress has been made as well as indicating the potential of these applications * Leading scientists review biomimetic approaches to the synthesis and processing of nanoparticles, thin patterned films, ceramics, and organic-inorganic composites * Focuses on molecule synthesis, templating, organized construction and microstructural processing of biomimetic materials related titles are: - Meyers: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Silver: Biocompatibility Vol.1: Polymers

Design, Characterization and Fabrication of Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering covers core elements of scaffold design, from properties and characterization of polymeric scaffolds to fabrication techniques and the structure-property relationship. Particular attention is given to the cell-scaffold interaction at the molecular level, helping the reader understand and adapt scaffold design to improve biocompatibility and function. The book goes on to discuss a range of tissue engineering applications for polymeric scaffolds, including bone, nerve, cardiac and fibroblast tissue engineering. Design, Characterization and Fabrication of Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering is an important, interdisciplinary work of relevance to materials scientists, polymer scientists, biomedical engineers and those working regenerative medicine. - Helps the reader determine the most appropriate polymer for scaffold design by characterization, properties and structure-property relationship - Discusses material-cell interactions at the molecular level, aiding in determining suitability - Covers core elements of scaffold design, including fabrication techniques