The book is an excellent reference for scientists, researchers and students working in the field of areas of biopolymeric biomaterials, biomedical engineering, therapeutics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The book is divided into two parts: Part I will focus on the tissue engineering and Part II focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. The book consists of 13 chapters contributed by 20 international contributors who are leading experts in the field of biopolymers and its applications. It will focus on the advancements of chitin and chitosan in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine in tissue engineering is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. It is an incredibly progressive field of medicine that may, in the near future, help with the shortage of life-saving organs available through donation for transplantation vis-a-vis regenerative medicine focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. It also covers physical and chemical aspects of chitin and chitosan, structural modifications for biomedical applications, chitosan based scaffolds and biomodelling in tissue engineering, nanomedicines and therapeutic applications. With the broad range of applications, the world is waiting for biopolymers to serve as the basis for regenerative medicine and biomedical applications.

This volume presents the recent developments on the biomedical applications of chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan exhibits unique properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Since its chemical structure and properties can be easily modified, it can be an ideal candidate as a biomaterial. Consequently, chitosan and its derivatives are being developed in different forms such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanofibers, hydrogels, films and 3D porous materials for various biomedical applications, ranging from drug and gene delivery to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The chapters of this volume focus on the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives as a hemostatic agent, tissue sealants, tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery carriers for bioactive molecules in bone tissue engineering and wound dressings. Some chapter’s deal with recent advancements of chitosan-based biomaterials as a drug, gene and transdermal drug delivery carrier. In addition, the volume focusses on the prospects of chitosan-based systems for the treatment of cancer, eye and other infectious diseases. The volume will be of interest to material scientists, chemists and biotechnologists by providing a better understanding of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives to develop more appropriate and innovative chitosan-based materials modified for unlimited practical applications in biomedical fields.

Due to their unique properties, chitosan-based materials have emerged as useful resources in a variety of medicines, drug controlled-release carriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and immobilized enzymes. But many of these materials have yet to reach the commercial market. Therefore, more work must be completed to fill the gap between research and production. Exploring the state of the field, Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Functions and Applications details the latest progress in the research and development of chitosan-based biomaterials. The book introduces the formation and chemical structure of chitosan-based hydrogels. It also discusses the relationship between their structure and functions, which provides a theoretical basis for the design of biomaterials. In addition, many real-world examples illustrate the potential application of chitosan-based hydrogels in various areas, including materials science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and cell engineering. By examining the structure and functions of chitosan-based hydrogels in living systems, this book provides the foundation for future research. It encourages readers to contribute to further research and development of these unique biomaterials.

This volume presents the recent developments on the biomedical applications of chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan exhibits unique properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Since its chemical structure and properties can be easily modified, it can be an ideal candidate as a biomaterial. Consequently, chitosan and its derivatives are being developed in different forms such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanofibers, hydrogels, films and 3D porous materials for various biomedical applications, ranging from drug and gene delivery to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The chapters of this volume focus on the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives as a hemostatic agent, tissue sealants, tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery carriers for bioactive molecules in bone tissue engineering and wound dressings. Some chapter's deal with recent advancements of chitosan-based biomaterials as a drug, gene and transdermal drug delivery carrier. In addition, the volume focusses on the prospects of chitosan-based systems for the treatment of cancer, eye and other infectious diseases. The volume will be of interest to material scientists, chemists and biotechnologists by providing a better understanding of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives to develop more appropriate and innovative chitosan-based materials modified for unlimited practical applications in biomedical fields.

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.

The second edition of Chitin underscores the important factors for standardizing chitin processing and characterization. It captures the essential interplay between chitin's assets and limitations as a biomaterial, placing the past promises of chitin in perspective, addressing its present realities and offering insight into what is required to realize chitin's destiny (including its derivative, chitosan) as a biomaterial of the twenty-first century. This book is an ideal guide for both industrialists and researchers with a vested interest in commercializing chitin. - An update on the research since 2001 as it pertains to the biomaterials and biomedical applications of chitin and chitosan - An expanded discussion on positioning chitin and chitosan for biomedical applications - Presents regulatory aspects of chitin and chitosan

Chitin and Chitosan: Discoveries and Applications for Sustainability provides the most comprehensive knowledge on these organic biopolymers which come from the cellular makeup of crustaceans, mollusks and arthropods. This book synthesizes historical information, fundamental properties, industrial applications, and recent discoveries and uses. Written by an international expert on chitin and chitosan sources and uses, the book discusses landmark discoveries and early uses in the research and applications of chitin and chitosan. It then explores the international use of chitin and chitosan as organic solutions across various disciplines such as aquaculture, agriculture, food and beverage industries, cosmetics and medicine. Finally, the book assesses their environmental applications for sustainable solutions, such as wastewater treatments and future chitin and chitosan usage as an organic solution for a more sustainable, green, healthy planet. - Offers a comprehensive review of these biopolymers, from their discovery to their use in our daily lives - Details the main historical facts on their composition, structure and properties - Emphasizes the chemical and biological properties and applications of chitosan - Describes key challenges and future trends

This book reviews recent research and applications of chitin and chitosan, as natural alternatives of fossil fuel products, in medicine and pharmacy, agriculture, food science and water treatment. Chitin and chitosan products are polysaccharides derived from food waste of crustaceans and fungi, and thus are cheap, abundant, sustainable, non-toxic, recyclable and biocompatible. Remarkable applications include food additives and preservation, packaging materials, biopesticides and fertilisers, drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioflocculation and dye removal.

This book reviews work that covers everything from basic chemistry to advanced applications. Chitin and chitosan are used in a plethora of applications from wastewater treatment to prosthetics. After introducing the subject of polysaccharides as a whole, the authors turn to the preparation of chitin and chitosan and the characterization of the latter. The book provides information on chitin chemistry, extraction of chitin, chitosan preparation processes, and the applications of their derivatives in various fields. Among the applications that are included in detail are the adsorption of heavy metals for pollution prevention and clean-up, biosensors, cosmetics, various medical applications from anti-tumor activity to bone tissue engineering, agriculture and food production, and proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. Chitin and Chitosan features: • information on molecular structure, synthesis, properties, and latest research related to chitin and chitosan; • coverage of a wide range of topics from the properties of chitosan to its derivatives and applications; • in-depth information on biomedical applications of chitin and chitosan; and • information that can be applied to other biopolymer processing engineering areas. This book will be of interest to practitioners working in a wide variety of industries for which chitin and chitosan are useful materials, researchers in biosensors and heavy-metal adsorption, and to academic researchers investigating the properties, preparation, and uses of these materials.

Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide commercially produced by the deacetylation of chitin. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and acts as a bioadhesive with otherwise unstable biomolecules - making it a valuable component in the formulation of biopharmaceutical drugs. Chitosan-Based Systems for Biopharmaceuticals provides an extensive overview of the application of chitosan and its derivatives in the development and optimisation of biopharmaceuticals. The book is divided in four different parts. Part I discusses general aspects of chitosan and its derivatives, with particular emphasis on issues related to the development of biopharmaceutical chitosan-based systems. Part II deals with the use of chitosan and derivatives in the formulation and delivery of biopharmaceuticals, and focuses on the synergistic effects between chitosan and this particular subset of pharmaceuticals. Part III discusses specific applications of chitosan and its derivatives for biopharmaceutical use. Finally, Part IV presents diverse viewpoints on different issues such as regulatory, manufacturing and toxicological requirements of chitosan and its derivatives related to the development of biopharmaceutical products, as well as their patent status, and clinical application and potential. Topics covered include: chemical and technological advances in chitins and chitosans useful for the formulation of biopharmaceuticals physical properties of chitosan and derivatives in sol and gel states absorption promotion properties of chitosan and derivatives biocompatibility and biodegradation of chitosan and derivatives biological and pharmacological activity of chitosan and derivatives biological, chemical and physical compatibility of chitosan and biopharmaceuticals approaches for functional modification or crosslinking of chitosan use of chitosan and derivatives in conventional biopharmaceutical dosage forms manufacture techniques of chitosan-based microparticles and nanoparticles for biopharmaceuticals chitosan and derivatives for biopharmaceutical use: mucoadhesive properties chitosan-based systems for mucosal delivery of biopharmaceuticals chitosan-based delivery systems for mucosal vaccination chitosan-based nanoparticulates for oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals chitosan-based systems for ocular delivery of biopharmaceuticals chemical modification of chitosan for delivery of DNA and siRNA target-specific chitosan-based nanoparticle systems for nucleic acid delivery functional PEGylated chitosan systems for biopharmaceuticals stimuli-sensitive chitosan-based systems for biopharmaceuticals chitosan copolymers for biopharmaceuticals application of chitosan for anti-cancer biopharmaceutical delivery chitosan-based biopharmaceuticals scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine wound healing properties of chitosan and its use in wound dressing biopharmaceuticals toxicological properties of chitosan and derivatives for biopharmaceutical applications regulatory status of chitosan and derivatives patentability and intellectual property issues quality control and good manufacturing practice preclinical and clinical use of chitosan and derivatives for biopharmaceuticals Chitosan-Based Systems for Biopharmaceuticals is an important compendium of fundamental concepts, practical tools and applications of chitosan-based biopharmaceuticals for researchers in academia and industry working in drug formulation and delivery, biopharmaceuticals, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy, bioengineering and new materials development.