Biodegradable, polymer-based systems are playing an increasingly pivotal role in tissue engineering replacement and regeneration. This type of biology-driven materials science is slated to be one of the key research areas of the 21st century. The following aspects are crucial: the development of adequate human cell culture to produce the tissues in adequate polymer scaffold materials; the development of culture technology with which human tissues can be grown ex-vivo in 3D polymer matrices; the development of material technology for producing the degradable, 3D matrices, having mechanical properties similar to natural tissue. In addressing these and similar problems, the book contains chapters on biodegradable polymers, polymeric biomaterials, surface modification for controlling cell-material interactions, scaffold design and processing, biomimetic coatings, biocompatibility evaluation, tissue engineering constructs, cell isolation, characterisation and culture, and controlled release of bioactive agents.

Conventional materials technology has yielded clear improvements in regenerative medicine. Ideally, however, a replacement material should mimic the living tissue mechanically, chemically, biologically and functionally. The use of tissue-engineered products based on novel biodegradable polymeric systems will lead to dramatic improvements in health

Natural Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering systematically examines a broad range of natural polymers and their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. The book thoroughly collates the most relevant and up-to-date research on natural biopolymers, covering a variety of key natural polymer types such as chitin, chitosan, alginate, guar gum and collagen. It is divided into two sections, covering drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Each section focuses on natural biopolymers in the form of scaffolds, membranes, films, gels and nanoparticles, thus helping the reader select not only the most appropriate polymer type, but also the most relevant structure. This comprehensive resource is ideal for materials scientists, biomedical engineers, tissue engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and anyone interested in developing novel materials for biomedical applications. - Covers both drug delivery and tissue engineering applications of natural biopolymers, helping bridge the gap between the two - Details a range of natural polymer types, ensuring all relevant options are presented - Discusses the benefits, challenges and clinical translation of natural biopolymers

Biomedical applications of Polymers from Scaffolds toNanostructures The ability of polymers to span wide ranges of mechanicalproperties and morph into desired shapes makes them useful for avariety of applications, including scaffolds, self-assemblingmaterials, and nanomedicines. With an interdisciplinary list ofsubjects and contributors, this book overviews the biomedicalapplications of polymers and focuses on the aspect of regenerativemedicine. Chapters also cover fundamentals, theories, and tools forscientists to apply polymers in the following ways: Matrix protein interactions with synthetic surfaces Methods and materials for cell scaffolds Complex cell-materials microenvironments in bioreactors Polymer therapeutics as nano-sized medicines for tissuerepair Functionalized mesoporous materials for controlleddelivery Nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers Concepts include macro and nano requirements for polymers aswell as future perspectives, trends, and challenges in the field.From self-assembling peptides to self-curing systems, this bookpresents the full therapeutic potential of novel polymeric systemsand topics that are in the leading edge of technology.

This book reviews state-of-the-art of polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and highlights advances in both basic science and clinical practice. It summarizes the latest techniques in polymeric scaffold fabrication, delivery carriers, physicochemical property modulation, as well as their influence on adhesion and the performance of biomolecules, cells and tissues. It also describes methods for creating biofunctional surfaces/interfaces and subsequently modulating the host response to implantable materials. Lastly, it discusses the applications of biomaterials and constructs in soft-tissue regenerative medicine. It is a valuable resource for materials scientists and engineers wishing to identify research priorities to fulfill clinical needs and provides physicians with insights into emerging novel biomaterials. This integrated approach also offers engineering students a sense of the relevance of materials science in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

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.

With the increasing worldwide prevalence of tissue damage, there is an urgent, growing demand for tissue engineering materials to mimic autologous tissue for surgical repair. Many attempts have been made to produce long-lasting, biocompatible implants. To overcome the mechanical and biological limitations of synthetic implants, the development of native macromolecule-based 3D substitutes as alternatives has been the latest focus. Advances in nanofabrication and controlled-release technology have vastly improved the potential of such 3D substitutes in influencing cell and tissue performance. This book is an overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of native macromolecule-based 3D substitutes for the repair of several tissue types, including bone, cartilage, vascular, and many more.

Work in the area of biomaterials and stem cell therapy has revealed great potential for many applications, from the treatment of localized defects and diseases to the repair and replacement of whole organs. Researchers have also begun to develop a better understanding of the cellular environment needed for optimal tissue repair and regeneration. Biomaterials and Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine explores a range of applications for biomaterials and stem cell therapy and describes recent research on suitable cell scaffolds and substrates for tissue repair and reconstruction. Featuring contributions by experts in the field, the book explores important scientific and clinical aspects. It covers the basic science involved in structure and properties, techniques and technological innovations in processing and characterization, and applications of biomaterials and stem cells. Topics include: Polymeric systems for stem cell delivery The potential of membranes and porous scaffolds in tissue repair, including myocardial, periodontal, ophthalmic, and bone tissues The optimization of the interaction between stem cells and biomaterial substrates The source and nature of stem cells for tissue engineering applications The clinical translation of stem cell–based tissue engineering for regenerative medicine From fundamental principles to recent advances at the macro, micro, nano, and molecular scales, the book brings together current knowledge on biomaterials and stem cells in the context of regenerative medicine. It also stimulates discussion about future research directions. This unique book offers a valuable benchmark for the current status of clinically relevant research and development in stem cells and regenerative medicine. It bridges the gaps in experimental approaches and understanding among the materials science and engineering, biological sciences, and biomedical science and engineering communities, making it a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners working in the multidisciplinary field of biomedical research.

Conventional materials technology has yielded clear improvements in regenerative medicine. Ideally, however, a replacement material should mimic the living tissue mechanically, chemically, biologically and functionally. The use of tissue-engineered products based on novel biodegradable polymeric systems will lead to dramatic improvements in health