Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Absorbable Polymers provides a detailed and comprehensive review of recent progress in absorbable biopolymers and their impact on biomedical engineering. The book's main focus lies in their classification, processing, properties and performance, biocompatibility, and their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bone repair and regenerative medicine. The most up-to-date methods used to obtain such polymers and how to improve their properties is discussed in detail. This book provides readers with a comprehensive and updated review of the latest research in the field of absorbable polymers for biomedical applications. - Provides knowledge of the range of absorbable polymers currently available, enabling the reader to make optimal materials selection decisions - Presents detailed information on current and proposed applications of the latest developments - Includes a strong emphasis on chemistry and physico-chemical characterization of these materials and their application in biomedical engineering

Given the rapid development and use of biomaterials, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the structure, processing and properties of biomedical polymers and their medical applications. With its distinguished editor and team of international contributors, Biomedical Polymers reviews the latest research on this important group of biomaterials.The book discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non bio-degradable polymers and their applications. Chapters review 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.Biomedical polymers is an essential reference for scientists and all those concerned with the development and use of this important group of biomaterials - Reviews the latest research in this important group of biomaterials - Discusses natural, synthetic, biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers and their applications - Examines the use of biomedical polymers in such areas as drug delivery systems and cell encapsulation

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

Interest in biodegradable and absorbable polymers is growing rapidly in large part because of their biomedical implant and drug delivery applications. This text illustrates creative approaches to custom designing unique, fiber-forming materials for equally unique applications. It includes an example of the development and application of a new absor

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

This book gives a fundmaentally comprehensive introduction to most of the important biomaterials including ceramics, metals, and polymers.

This book presents a comprehensive and authoritative review of the recent developments and advances in biodegradable polymers and their biomedical applications. Following an interdisciplinary approach, it combines the medical and pharmaceutical fields in conjunction with biomedical engineering, polymer science, materials science, and pharmacological aspects of biodegradable polymers. The text covers the synthesis, properties, and characterization of biodegradable polymers and systems and their applications in sustained drug delivery, anticancer therapy, vaccine delivery, gene delivery, surgery, wound care, cardiology, dentistry, orthopedics, medical devices, tissue engineering, and cosmeceuticals. It also details the safety aspects, market economy, challenges, and opportunities related to biodegradable polymers, providing an understanding of the commercial and translational aspects of these crucial biomaterials. Edited and authored by renowned scientists working on biodegradable polymers, biocomposites, biodegradable systems, and implants, the book is an important resource for academicians, researchers, students, professionals, and general readers interested in exploring the potential biomedical applications of biodegradable polymers.

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

Science and Principles of Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Medical Polymers: Materials and Properties provides a practical guide to the use of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers for study, research, and applications within medicine. Fundamentals of the basic principles and science behind the use of biodegradable polymers in advanced research and in medical and pharmaceutical applications are presented, as are important new concepts and principles covering materials, properties, and computer modeling, providing the reader with useful tools that will aid their own research, product design, and development. Supported by practical application examples, the scope and contents of the book provide researchers with an important reference and knowledge-based educational and training aid on the basics and fundamentals of these important medical polymers. - Provides a practical guide to the fundamentals, synthesis, and processing of bioresorbable polymers in medicine - Contains comprehensive coverage of material properties, including unique insights into modeling degradation - Written by an eclectic mix of international authors with experience in academia and industry

The success of any implant or medical device depends very much on the biomaterial used. Synthetic materials (such as metals, polymers and composites) have made significant contributions to many established medical devices. The aim of this book is to provide a basic understanding on the engineering and processing aspects of biomaterials used in medical applications. Of paramount importance is the tripartite relationship between material properties, processing methods and design. As the target audiences cover a wide interdisciplinary field, each chapter is written with a detailed background so that audience of another discipline will be able to understand. For the more knowledgeable reader, a detailed list of references is included.