Fundamental Biomaterials: Polymers

Fundamental Biomaterials: Polymers provides current information on findings and developments of biopolymers and their conversion from base materials to medical devices. Chapters analyze the types of polymers and discuss a range of biomedical applications. It is the first title in a three volume set, with each reviewing the most important and commonly used classes of biomaterials and providing comprehensive information on classification, materials properties, behavior, biocompatibility and applications. The book concludes with essential information on wear, lifetime prediction and cytotoxicity of biomaterials.

This title will be of use to researchers and professionals in development stages, but will also help medical researchers understand and effectively communicate the requirements of a biomaterial for a specific application. Further, with the recent introduction of a number of interdisciplinary bio-related undergraduate and graduate programs, this book will be an appropriate reference volume for large number of students at undergraduate and post graduate levels.

Provides current information on findings and developments of biopolymers and their conversion from base materials to medical devicesIncludes analyses of the types of polymers and a discussion of a range of biomedical applicationsPresents essential information on wear, lifetime prediction and cytotoxicity of biomaterialsExplores both theoretical and practical aspects of polymers in biomaterials

1. Polymeric Biomaterials: state of the art and new challenges 2. Polysaccharides as Biomaterials (Cellulose Chitin and chitosan Starch based Biodegradable polymers) 3. Natural Rubber as biomaterials 4. Silicon Rubber as biomaterials 5. Synthetic biodegradable polymers for biomedical application 6. Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Bioactive Agents and Drugs 7. Evolution of Current and Future Concepts of Biocompatibility Testing 8. Polymer-Based Colloidal Aggregates as a New Class of Drug Delivery Systems 9. Plasma Polymerization and Plasma Modification of Surfaces for Biomaterials Applications 10. Smart polymers as Biomaterials 11. Polymeric biomaterials for organ regeneration 12. Polymeric Micelles as Pharmaceutical Carriers. Polymeric Vesicles 13. Natural Polymers as Components of Blends for Biomedical Applications 14. Biodegradable Polymeric Composite Scaffolds to Regenerate Bone Tissue 15. Textile Based Biomaterials for Surgical Applications 16. Polymeric Micro and Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers 17. Polymers Scaffolds 18. Synthetic Polymeric Membranes: Classification, Preparation, Structure and Transport Mechanisms 19. Physicochemical Characteristics of Biopolymers 20. In Vivo Biocompatibility Studies: Perspectives on the Evaluation of Biomedical Polymer Biocompatibility 21. Applications of Synthetic Polymeric Biomaterials in Medicine and Biotechnology 22. Engineering polymers for heart valve replants and for artificial hip joints 23. Wear and fatigue behaviour of polymeric biomaterials 24. Life cycle analysis of polymeric biomaterials 25. Cytotoxicity of polymeric materials