The unique physico-chemical properties of cationic polymers and their ability to be easily modified make them attractive for many biological applications. As a result there is a vast amount of research focussed on designing novel natural or synthetic cationic polymers with specific biological functionality. Cationic Polymers in Regenerative Medicine brings together the expertise of leading experts in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in cationic polymer synthesis, modification and the design of biomaterials with different structures for therapeutic applications. Chapters cover recent developments in novel cationic polymer based systems including poly(L-lysine), Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and cationic triazine dendrimers as well as cationic polymer-coated micro- and nanoparticles and cationic cellulose and chitin nanocrystals. Applications discussed in the book include drug and gene delivery, therapeutics in thrombosis and inflammation as well as gene therapy. Suitable both for an educational perspective for those new to the field and those already active in the field, the book appeals to postgraduates and researchers. The broad aspects of the topics covered are suitable for polymer chemists interested in the fundamentals of the materials systems as well as pharmaceutical chemists, bioengineering and medical professionals interested in their applications.

Biomedical applications of Polymers from Scaffolds to Nanostructures The ability of polymers to span wide ranges of mechanical properties and morph into desired shapes makes them useful for a variety of applications, including scaffolds, self-assembling materials, and nanomedicines. With an interdisciplinary list of subjects and contributors, this book overviews the biomedical applications of polymers and focuses on the aspect of regenerative medicine. Chapters also cover fundamentals, theories, and tools for scientists to apply polymers in the following ways: Matrix protein interactions with synthetic surfaces Methods and materials for cell scaffolds Complex cell-materials microenvironments in bioreactors Polymer therapeutics as nano-sized medicines for tissue repair Functionalized mesoporous materials for controlled delivery Nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers Concepts include macro and nano requirements for polymers as well as future perspectives, trends, and challenges in the field. From self-assembling peptides to self-curing systems, this book presents the full therapeutic potential of novel polymeric systems and topics that are in the leading edge of technology.

"With an interdisciplinary list of subjects and contributors, Polymers in Regenerative Medicine covers the broad range of medical applications for polymers, including scaffolds, self assembling materials, and different types of polymeric nanomedicines. The seasoned authors address fundamentals, theories, tools, techniques, types of polymeric systems and biomaterials and examine such hot topics as nanoconjugates, polymers for tissue repair, and electrospinning technique for tissue engineering. The book provides chemists, researchers, and scientists with an overview of the full therapeutic potential of novel polymeric systems that have only been possible through multidisciplinary research"--Provided by publisher.

This book offers a complete overview of photonic-enhanced materials from material development to a final photonic biomedical application. It includes fundamental, applied, and industrial photonics. The authors cover synthesis, the modification and the processing of a variety of (bio)polymers including thermoplasts (e.g. polyesters) and hydrogels (e.g. proteins and polysaccharides) for a plethora of applications in the field of optics and regenerative medicine.

Conventional materials technology has yielded clear improvements in regenerative medicine. Ideally, however, a replacement material should mimic the living tissue mechanically, chemically, biologically and functionally. The use of tissue-engineered products based on novel biodegradable polymeric systems will lead to dramatic improvements in health care. The most important materials in development for use in tissue engineering, replacement, and regeneration are based on polymers and on composites reinforced with bioactive ceramics. The first book to address the topic in an integrated manner, Biodegradable Systems in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine presents an extensive description of biodegradable polymers used in medicine and explores their design, development, and processing. The authors discuss the performance of biodegradable systems and the special requirements that should be taken into account when evaluating their biocompatibility. Included are several methodologies for tailoring cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of biodegradable polymers. This book represents a coordinated effort by outstanding international experts, and provides an integrated, forward-looking perspective. By joining together the most active groups in the field, the editors offer a unified approach, representing diverse fields of study, to produce a revolution in regenerative medicine.

This book reviews state-of-the-art of polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and highlights advances in both basic science and clinical practice. It summarizes the latest techniques in polymeric scaffold fabrication, delivery carriers, physicochemical property modulation, as well as their influence on adhesion and the 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.