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

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

A review of the latest research on biomedical polymers, this book discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non bio-degradable polymers and their applications. Chapters discuss polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems, the use of polymers in cell encapsulation, their role as replacement materials for heart valves and arteries, and their applications in joint replacement. The book also discusses the use of polymers in biosensor applications. Edited by an expert team of reasearchers and containing contributions from pioneers throughout the field, the book is an essential reference for scientists and all those developing and using this important group of biomaterials.

This book is intended to provide a fundamental basis for the study of the interaction of polymers with living systems, biochemicals, and with aqueous solutions. The surface chemistry and physics of polymeric materials is a subject not normally covered to any significant extent in classical surface chemistry textbooks. Many of the assumptions of classical surface chemistry are invalid when applied to polymer surfaces. Surface properties of polymers are important in the development of medical devices and diagnostic products. Surface properties are also of vital importance in fields such as adhesion, paints and coatings, polymer-filler interactions, heterogeneous catalysis, composites, and polymers for energy generation. The book begins with a chapter considering the current sources of information on polymer surface chemistry and physics. It moves on to consider the question of the dynamics of polymer surfaces and the implica tions of polymer surface dynamics on all subsequent characterization and interfacial studies. Two chapters are directed toward the question of model polymers for preparing model surfaces and interfaces. Complete treatments of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy are given. There is a detailed treatment of the contact angle with particular emphasis on contact angle hysteresis in aqueous systems, followed by chapters on interfacial electrochemistry and interface acid-base charge-transfer properties. The very difficult problem of block and graft copolymer surfaces is also discussed. The problem of theoretical calculations of surface and interfacial tensions is presented. Raman spectroscopy is considered as an analytical technique for polymer surface characterization.

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

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