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

With its content taken from only the very latest results, this is an extensive summary of the various polymeric materials used for biomedical applications. Following an introduction listing various functional polymers, including conductive, biocompatible and conjugated polymers, the book goes on to discuss different synthetic polymers that can be used, for example, as hydrogels, biochemical sensors, functional surfaces, and natural degradable materials. Throughout, the focus is on applications, with worked examples for training purposes as well as case studies included. The whole is rounded off with a look at future trends.

Smart polymers for biomedical applications are presently one focuses in biomedical materials research. Smart polymers are becoming increasingly more prevalent as scientists learn about the chemistry and triggers that induce conformational changes in polymer structures and devise ways to take advantage of, and control them. New polymeric materials are being chemically formulated that sense specific environmental changes in biological systems, and adjust in a predictable manner, making them useful tools for drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensor design, wound healing and other metabolic control mechanisms. In this relatively new area of biotechnology, many advances are made in the recent years, but no latest books or edited collections have well summarised the recent advances. This book is the only book that has latest research developments on smart-polymeric materials for biomedical applications which include drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, wound healing and many other allied fields.

Advances in Polymeric Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications examines advanced polymer synthetic strategies for developing novel biomaterials for use in medicine. With a strong focus on fundamentals and structure, the authors also explore their fabrication, along with their current and potential biomedical applications. The book begins with a look at the fundamentals of polymeric nanomaterials and their properties and then discusses the design of biomaterials and their applications in drug delivery. Further chapters explore important applications, such as imaging and regenerative medicine, including current challenges and future trends. This valuable resource is especially useful for materials and polymer scientists, and bioengineers wishing to broaden their knowledge of polymeric nanobiomaterials. Covers the complete spectrum of polymer nanomaterials used in biomedical applications Includes various applications, such as drug delivery, gene delivery, bio-imaging, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, anti-microbial agents, and neuroscience Explores fundamental correlations between structures, properties and applications, as well as synthetic strategies for polymer nanomaterials

Recently, the development of polymeric materials for biomedical applications has advanced significantly. Polymeric materials are favored in the development of therapeutic devices, including temporary implants and three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering and in vitro disease modelling. Further advancements have also occurred in the utilization of polymeric materials for pharmacological applications, such as delivery vehicles for drug release. We would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, recent advances related to 3D cell culture, biomaterials, tissue engineering, disease modelling, hydrogel, organoids, drug discovery, bioimaging, cardio-renal, metabolic disease, and stem cell biology.

This book is derived from a Symposium held at the 190th National American Chemical Society Meeting, which was held in the Fall of 1985, in Chicago, and was sponsored by the Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering. This Symposium was, in turn, a follow-up on an earlier one held in Houston, TX, in the Spring of 1980, which was pub lished as the book ·Biomedical and Dental Applications of Polymers· [Plenum Press, New York, 1981]. In that earlier book, our opening Preface passage quoted King David, ·1 will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and made . •• • (Psalm 139:14). As we noted five years ago, sickness wonderfully of many types does occur in our wonderfully made bodies, but much human suffering can be aided by biomedical polymers. That earlier book con sidered much of the fantastic progress that had been made in biomedical polymers during the previous quarter century and brought many of these topics up to date. That Symposium, and book, noted that much help was available for the varied afflictions and problems that sometimes beset, and upset, our God-given bodies, and the promise of new and important advances was held out as a shining ray of hope amidst the gloom of sickness and affliction. The present volume is an update on the advances that have occurred since the 1981 book and sets the stage for even greater advances in the future.

This book collects the articles published in the Special Issue “Polymeric Materials: Surfaces, Interfaces and Bioapplications”. It shows the advances in polymeric materials, which have tremendous applications in agricultural films, food packaging, dental restoration, antimicrobial systems, and tissue engineering. These polymeric materials are presented as films, coatings, particles, fibers, hydrogels, or networks. The potential to modify and modulate their surfaces or their content by different techniques, such as click chemistry, ozonation, breath figures, wrinkle formation, or electrospray, are also explained, taking into account the relationship between the structure and properties in the final application. Moreover, new trends in the development of such materials are presented, using more environmental friendly and safe methods, which, at the same time, have a high impact on our society.

Addresses assessment of polymeric materials in biomedical sciences including classification, properties, and development of polymeric implants Covers various topics in the field of tissue regeneration Discusses the biocompatibility, toxicity, and biodegradation of polymeric materials Explores wide scale characterization to study the effect of inclusion size on mechanical properties of polymeric materials Reviews limitations and future directions on polymeric material with emphasis on biocompatibility

Advances in Biomedical Polymers and Composites: Materials and Applications is a comprehensive guide to polymers and polymer composites for biomedical applications, bringing together detailed information on their preparation, properties, cutting-edge technologies, innovative materials and key application areas. Sections introduce polymers and composites in biomedical applications and cover characterization techniques, preparation and properties of composites and gel-based systems. Innovative technologies and instruments used in the fabrication of polymer composites for biomedical applications are then presented in detail, including 3D bioprinting, 4D printing, electrospinning, stimuli-responsive polymers and quantum dots. This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a broader understanding of polymers and composites for biomedical applications. In addition, it is ideal for readers who want to conduct interdisciplinary research or explore new avenues for research and development. - Provides broad, systematic and detailed coverage of preparation methods, properties, technologies, structures and applications - Explores the state-of-the-art in biomedical polymers, including gene delivery, oleogels, bigels, 3D bioprinting, 4D printing and antiviral materials - Offers analysis and comparison of experimental data on physical properties and explains environmental, ethical and medical guidelines