This book is part of a series dedicated to recent advances on preventive, predictive and personalised medicine (PPPM). It focuses on the theme of “Drug delivery systems: advanced technologies potentially applicable in personalised treatments”. The critical topics involving the development and preparation of effective drug delivery systems, such as: polymers available, self-assembly, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical formulations, three dimensional structures, molecular modeling, tailor-made solutions and technological tendencies, are carefully discussed. The understanding of these areas constitutes a paramount route to establish personalised and effective solutions for specific diseases and individuals.

In this book, practicing physicians and experts in anticipation present arguments for a new understanding of medicine. Their contributions make it clear that medicine is the decisive test for anticipation. The reader is presented with a provocative hypothesis: If medicine will align itself with the anticipatory condition of life, it can prompt the most important revolution in our time. To this end, all stakeholders—medical practitioners, patients, scientists, and technology developers—will have to engage in the conversation. The book makes the case for the transition from expensive, and only marginally effective, reactive treatment through “spare parts” (joint replacements, organ transplants) and reliance on pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, opiates) to anticipation-informed healthcare. Readers will understand why the current premise of treating various behavioral conditions (attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, schizophrenia) through drugs has to be re-evaluated from the perspective of anticipation. In the manner practiced today, medicine generates dependence and long-lasting damage to those it is paid to help. As we better understand the nature of the living, the proactive view of healthcare, within which the science and art of healing fuse, becomes a social and political mandate.

Biomedical Devices: Design, Prototyping, and Manufacturing features fundamental discussions of all facets of materials processing and manufacturing processes across a wide range of medical devices and artificial tissues. Represents the first compilation of information on the design, prototyping, and manufacture of medical devices into one volume Offers in-depth coverage of medical devices, beginning with an introductory overview through to the design, manufacture, and applications Features examples of a variety of medical applications of devices, including biopsy micro forceps, micro-needle arrays, wrist implants, spinal spacers, and fixtures Provides students, doctors, scientists, and technicians interested in the development and applications of medical devices the ideal reference source

This book presents recent advances in the use of ionic liquids in medicine and pharmaceutics with particular emphasis on addressing critical pharmaceutical challenges, including the low solubility, polymorphism, and bioavailability of drugs. It also provides insights into the development of the biologically functionalized ionic liquids suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Ionic liquids have been used as potential solvents or materials in the fields of pharmaceutical drug delivery and formulations because of their unique and tunable physicochemical and biological properties. Readers find explanations of the diverse approaches to the application of ionic liquids in drug solubility, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) formulation, and drug delivery systems, such as topical, transdermal, and oral delivery, with particular emphasis on recent developments. Particular attention is given to the development of ionic liquid-assisted effective drug delivery techniques for sparingly soluble or insoluble drug molecules. This book also discusses the biological activities of ionic liquids for possible applications in drug formulation and drug delivery systems. Scientists in disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutics find this book instructive and informative for developing ionic liquid-based drug formulations or drug delivery systems.

Nanostructures for Drug Delivery extensively covers the various nanostructured products that have been tested as carriers in target drug delivery systems. In addition, the book analyses the advantages of, and issues related to, using nanostructured materials in drug delivery systems, also detailing various nanocarrier preparation techniques. As delivering the drug to the target site is a major problem in providing effective treatment for many diseases, this book covers the latest advancements in numerous nanotechnological products that are being used in disease detection, controlled drug delivery, as biosensors, and in tissue engineering that have been developed for more efficient patient healthcare. Due to the versatility of nanostructured materials, it is now possible to deliver a drug at its target site in a more accurate and efficient way. This volume is an up-to-date, state-of-the-art work that highlights the principal mechanistic aspects related to the delivery of active nanoscale therapeutic agents (natural or synthetic) and their release profile in different environmental media. It highlights nanoscale encapsulation strategies and discusses both organic and inorganic nanomaterials as carriers and delivery platforms. Demonstrates how nanostructures are successfully employed in drug delivery stems and as drug delivery agents, allowing biomaterials scientists and biochemists to create more effective drug delivery systems Offers an overview of recent research into the use of nanostructures in drug delivery techniques in a cogent, synthesized way, allowing readers to quickly familiarize themselves with this area Includes examples of how the application of nanostructures have improved the efficiency of drug delivery systems, showing medical scientists how they are beneficial

APPLICATIONS OF BIOPOLYMERS IN SCIENCE, BIOTECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING Single volume resource covering the many different applications of biopolymers, along with foundational knowledge like biodegradability and recent advancements Along with providing in-depth discussions on the fundamentals of biopolymers, such as synthesis, fabrication technologies, and properties, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers the applications of biopolymers in various fields such as biotechnology, construction and civil engineering, tissue engineering, dairy technology, packaging, electronics, food, medicine, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. Overall, the text conveys a broad overview of the field, enabling readers to grasp both the fundamentals and applications of the subject. Edited by three highly qualified academics with significant experience in the field, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers sample topics such as: Biopolymer blends, IPNs, gels, composites, and nanocomposites, and the properties, fabrication and applications of synthetic biopolymers Role of biopolymers and their composites in sustainable agriculture, covering recent developments and future perspectives Polymers suitable for the fabrication of prosthetics, and polymers’ uses in different stages of drug delivery and drug design Life cycle analysis, biodegradability, and advances in the overall field of biopolymers, along with polymers and biopolymers in sensing applications Covering both foundational knowledge and a myriad of applications, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering is an essential resource on the subject for practitioners, researchers, and scientists in polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and any industry/field interested in biopolymers and/or nanocomposites.

This book focuses on the chemistry of inkjet printing inks, as well to special applications of these materials. As is well-documented, this issue has literallyexploded in the literature in particular in the patent literature. After an introductory section to the general aspects of the field, the types and uses of inkjet printing inks are summarized followed by an overview on the testing methods. Special compounds used as additives dyes, and pigments in inkjet printing inks are documented. The applications to the medical field – drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, bioprinting in particular – are detailed. The applications in the electronics industry are also documented such as flexible electronics, integrated circuits, liquid crystal displays, along a description of their special inks. The book incorporates many structures of the organic compounds used for inkjet printing inks as they may not be familiar to the polymer and organic chemists.

This brief includes information on the background of and development of synthesis of various types of surface active monomers. The authors explain the importance of utilization of surface active monomers for creation of surface active polymers and the various biomedical applications of such compounds . This brief introduces techniques for the synthesis of novel types of surface active monomers, their colloidal and polymerizable properties and application for needs of medicine and biology.

Design and Development of New Nanocarriers focuses on the design and development of new nanocarriers used in pharmaceutical applications that have emerged in recent years. In particular, the pharmaceutical uses of microfluidic techniques, supramolecular design of nanocapsules, smart hydrogels, polymeric micelles, exosomes and metal nanoparticles are discussed in detail. Written by a diverse group of international researchers, this book is a valuable reference resource for those working in both biomaterials science and the pharmaceutical industry. - Shows how nanomanufacturing techniques can help to create more effective, cheaper pharmaceutical products - Explores how nanofabrication techniques developed in the lab have been translated to commercial applications in recent years - Explains safety and regulatory aspects of the use of nanomanufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry

Learn about the analytical tools used to characterize particulate drug delivery systems with this comprehensive overview Edited by a leading expert in the field, Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems provides a complete description of the analytical techniques used to characterize particulate drug systems on the micro- and nanoscale. The book offers readers a full understanding of the basic physicochemical characteristics, material properties and differences between micro- and nanosystems. It explains how and why greater experience and more reliable measurement techniques are required as particle size shrinks, and the measured phenomena grow weaker. Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems deals with a wide variety of topics relevant to chemical and solid-state analysis of drug delivery systems, including drug release, permeation, cell interaction, and safety. It is a complete resource for those interested in the development and manufacture of new medicines, the drug development process, and the translation of those drugs into life-enriching and lifesaving medicines. Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems covers all of the following topics: An introduction to the analytical tools applied to determine particle size, morphology, and shape Common chemical approaches to drug system characterization A description of solid-state characterization of drug systems Drug release and permeation studies Toxicity and safety issues The interaction of drug particles with cells Perfect for pharmaceutical chemists and engineers, as well as all other industry professionals and researchers who deal with drug delivery systems on a regular basis, Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems also belongs on bookshelves of interested students and faculty who interact with this topic.