Polymers from natural sources are particularly useful as biomaterials and in regenerative medicine, given their similarity to the extracellular matrix and other polymers in the human body. This important book reviews the wealth of research on both tried and promising new natural-based biomedical polymers, together with their applications as implantable biomaterials, controlled-release carriers or scaffolds for tissue engineering.The first part of the book reviews the sources, processing and properties of natural-based polymers for biomedical applications. Part two describes how the surfaces of polymer-based biomaterials can be modified to improve their functionality. The third part of the book discusses the use of natural-based polymers for biodegradable scaffolds and hydrogels in tissue engineering. Building on this foundation, Part four looks at the particular use of natural-gelling polymers for encapsulation, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The penultimate group of chapters reviews the use of natural-based polymers as delivery systems for drugs, hormones, enzymes and growth factors. The final part of the book summarises research on the key issue of biocompatibility.Natural-based polymers for biomedical applications is a standard reference for biomedical engineers, those studying and researching in this important area, and the medical community. - Examines the sources, processing and properties of natural based polymers for biomedical applications - Explains how the surfaces of polymer based biomaterials can be modified to improve their functionality - Discusses the use of natural based polymers for hydrogels in tissue engineering, and in particular natural gelling polymers for encapsulation and regenerative medicine

Polymers are important and attractive biomaterials for researchers and clinical applications due to the ease of tailoring their chemical, physical and biological properties for target devices. Due to this versatility they are rapidly replacing other classes of biomaterials such as ceramics or metals. As a result, the demand for biomedical polymers has grown exponentially and supports a diverse and highly monetized research community. Currently worth $1.2bn in 2009 (up from $650m in 2000), biomedical polymers are expected to achieve a CAGR of 9.8% until 2015, supporting a current research community of approximately 28,000+. Summarizing the main advances in biopolymer development of the last decades, this work systematically covers both the physical science and biomedical engineering of the multidisciplinary field. Coverage extends across synthesis, characterization, design consideration and biomedical applications. The work supports scientists researching the formulation of novel polymers with desirable physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties for specific targeted biomedical applications. - Combines chemistry, biology and engineering for expert and appropriate integration of design and engineering of polymeric biomaterials - Physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties alongside currently deployed clinical applications of specific biomaterials aids use as single source reference on field. - 15+ case studies provides in-depth analysis of currently used polymeric biomaterials, aiding design considerations for the future

Develop natural solutions to biomedical problems with this introduction A natural polymer is one that forms from biosynthetic or biochemical processes typically found in nature, with corresponding advantages in biocompatibility and biodegradability. These advantages give natural polymers a range of applications, from the use of polysaccharides as structural components to the use of polyphenols as antioxidant active ingredients. In biomedical engineering they are clearly preferable to synthetic polymers in numerous cases, and their applications are more numerous every day. Natural Polymers for Biomedical Applications offers a comprehensive summary of these polymers and their biomedical applications. It covers the sources, structures, and properties of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and polypeptides, as well as analyzing the latest advances in polymer-based biomedical technologies. The result has ramifications in a vast range of industries and research areas. In Natural Polymers for Biomedical Applications readers will also find: Applications including drug and cell delivery, cell and organoid cultures, tissue regeneration, and more Detailed analysis of alginate, cellulose, quercetin, silk fibroin, and many others A logical, easy-to-use structure to facilitate rapid access to pertinent information Natural Polymers for Biomedical Applications is ideal for materials scientists, polymer chemists, biochemists, and any researcher or professional in biomedical or pharmaceutical industries.

This book introduces the most recent innovations in natural polymer applications in the food, construction, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries. The authors provide perspectives from their respective range of industries covering classification, extraction, modification, and application of natural polymers from various sources in nature. They discuss the techniques used in analysis of natural polymers in various systems incorporating natural polymers as well as their intrinsic properties.

This book provides understanding of raw materials, manufacturing and biomedical applications of different polymeric and natural composites such as drug delivery, growth factor delivery, orthopedics, dentistry and wound dressing.

Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers presents the latest research on natural polymer-based hydrogels, covering fundamentals, preparation methods, synthetic pathways, advanced properties, major application areas, and novel characterization techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each natural polymer-based hydrogel are also discussed, enabling preparation tactics for specific properties and applications. Sections cover fundamentals, development, characteristics, structures and properties. Additional chapters cover presentation methods and properties based on natural polymers, including physical and chemical properties, stimuli-responsive properties, self-healing properties, and biological properties. The final section presents major applications areas, including the biomedical field, agriculture, water treatments, and the food industry. This is a highly valuable resource for academic researchers, scientists and advanced students working with hydrogels and natural polymers, as well as across the fields of polymer science, polymer chemistry, plastics engineering, biopolymers and biomaterials. The detailed information will also be of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals, product designers, technicians and engineers across industries. Provides systematic coverage of all aspects of hydrogels based on natural polymers, including fundamentals, preparation methods, properties and characterization Offers a balanced assessment of the specific properties and possibilities offered by different natural polymer-based hydrogels, drawing on innovative research Examines cutting-edge applications across biomedicine, agriculture, water treatments, and the food industry

Nanostructured Polymer Composites for Biomedical Applications addresses the challenges researchers face regarding the creation of nanostructured polymer composites that not only have superior performance and mechanical properties, but also have acceptable biological function. This book discusses current efforts to meet this challenge by discussing the multidisciplinary nature of nanostructured polymer composite biomaterials from various fields, including materials science, polymer science, biomedical engineering and biomedicine. This compilation of existing knowledge will lead to the generation of new terminology and definitions across individual disciplines. As such, this book will help researchers and engineers develop new products and devices for use in effective medical treatment. Summarizes the most recent strategies to develop nanostructured polymer composite biomaterials for biomedicine Outlines the major preparation and characterization techniques for a range of polymer nanocomposites used in biomedicine Explores the design of new types of nanostructured polymer composites for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, gene therapy and bone replacement