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

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers presents the newest and most interesting approaches to intelligent polymer engineering in both current and future progress in biomedical sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on the properties needed for each selected polymer and how to increase their biomedical potential in varying applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. These materials are intended for use in diagnoses, therapy and prophylaxis, but are also relatable to other biomedical related applications, such as sensors. Recent developments and future perspectives regarding their use in biomedicine are discussed in detail, making this book an ideal source on the topic. - Highlights the most well-known applications of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers in biological and biomedical engineering - Presents novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in materials for companies, those in biomedical industries, and others - Features at least 50% of references from the last 2-3 years

Highlighting dynamic developments in polymer synthesis, this book focuses on the chemical techniques to synthesize and characterize biomedically relevant polymers and macromolecules. • Aids researchers developing polymers and materials for biomedical applications • Describes biopolymers from a synthetic perspective, which other similar books do not do • Covers areas that include: cationically-charged macromolecules, pseudo-peptides, polydrugs and prodrugs, controlled radical polymerization, self-assembly, polycondensates, and polymers for surface modification

Bioresorbable Polymers for Biomedical Applications: From Fundamentals to Translational Medicine provides readers with an overview of bioresorbable polymeric materials in the biomedical field. A useful resource for materials scientists in industry and academia, offering information on the fundamentals and considerations, synthesis and processing, and the clinical and R and D applications of bioresorbable polymers for biomedical applications. - Focuses on biomedical applications of bioresorbable polymers - Features a comprehensive range of topics including fundamentals, synthesis, processing, and applications - Provides balanced coverage of the field with contributions from academia and industry - Includes clinical and R and D applications of bioresorbable polymers for biomedical applications

Advanced Functional Polymers for Biomedical Applications presents novel techniques for the preparation and characterization of functionalized polymers, enabling researchers, scientists and engineers to understand and utilize their enhanced functionality in a range of cutting-edge biomedical applications. - Provides systematic coverage of the major types of functional polymers, discussing their properties, preparation techniques and potential applications - Presents new synthetic approaches alongside the very latest polymer processing and characterization methods - Unlocks the potential of functional polymers to support ground-breaking techniques for drug and gene delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

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

Biosynthetic Polymers for Medical Applications provides the latest information on biopolymers, the polymers that have been produced from living organisms and are biodegradable in nature. These advanced materials are becoming increasingly important for medical applications due to their favorable properties, such as degradability and biocompatibility. This important book provides readers with a thorough review of the fundamentals of biosynthetic polymers and their applications. Part One covers the fundamentals of biosynthetic polymers for medical applications, while Part Two explores biosynthetic polymer coatings and surface modification. Subsequent sections discuss biosynthetic polymers for tissue engineering applications and how to conduct polymers for medical applications. - Comprehensively covers all major medical applications of biosynthetic polymers - Provides an overview of non-degradable and biodegradable biosynthetic polymers and their medical uses - Presents a specific focus on coatings and surface modifications, biosynthetic hydrogels, particulate systems for gene and drug delivery, and conjugated conducting polymers