Polymers have generated considerable interest in a large number of technologically important fields such as human healthcare systems. Polymers represent a very important domain of materials and have become an integral part of day to day human life. Polymers exist in nature; they have been and continue to be an integral part of the universe. This book is intended for scientists and researchers to use in their research or in their professional practice in polymer chemistry and its biomedical applications. Multiple biological, synthetic and hybrid polymers are used for multiple medical applications. A wide range of different polymers are available, and they have the advantage to be tunable in physical, chemical and biological properties and in a wide range to match the requirements of specific applications. This book gives a brief overview about the introduction and developments of polymers for different applications. The biomedical polymers comprise not only bulk materials, but also coatings and pharmaceutical nano-carriers for drugs. The surface modification of the inorganic nanoparticles with a physically or chemically end-tethered polymer chain has been employed to overcome the problems associated with the polymers. Chemically attached polymer chains not only stabilize the inorganic nanoparticles, but also lead to photosensitivity, bioactivity, biocompatibility and pharmacological properties in the composites. Polymer encapsulated silica nanocomposites (mesoporous) have potential applications in different fields, such as optics, bio-catalysis, microelectronics bone tissue engineering, coatings cosmetics, inks, agriculture, drug release systems, diagnoses, enzyme imaging, temperature-responsive materials, and thermosensitive vehicles for cellular imaging. Polymer grafted nanosized particles are known to have excellent properties such as good dispersion ability in solvents and polymer matrices. Polymer-based controlled drug delivery systems have some specific advantages, such as improved efficiency and reduced toxicity. The incorporation of a thermoresponsive polymer layer often enhances protein absorption and specific biomolecular tagging through hydrogen bonding. As a result, the nanocomposite gets cleared from the body at a faster rate (blood residence becomes low). This book is composed of fourteen edited chapters; it is intended for scientists and researchers to use in their research or in their professional practice in polymer chemistry and its biomedical applications.

Advanced Functional Polymers for Biomedical Applications presents novel techniques for the preparation and characterization of functionalized polymers, enabling researchers, scientists and engineers to understand and utilize their enhanced functionality in a range of cutting-edge biomedical applications. Provides systematic coverage of the major types of functional polymers, discussing their properties, preparation techniques and potential applications Presents new synthetic approaches alongside the very latest polymer processing and characterization methods Unlocks the potential of functional polymers to support ground-breaking techniques for drug and gene delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

How Can Polymers Constructed From Living Organisms Help Eliminate the Disposal Issue? A unique category of materials called biodegradable polymers could help remedy a growing environmental concern. Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications considers the potential of biodegradable polymers for use in biomedical appl

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

Materials Development and Processing for Biomedical Applications focuses on various methods of manufacturing, surface modifications, and advancements in biomedical applications. This book examines in detail about five different aspects including, materials properties, development, processing, surface coatings, future perspectives and fabrication of advanced biomedical devices. Fundamental aspects are discussed to better understand the processing of various biomedical materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc. A wide range of surface treatments are covered in this book that will be helpful for the readers to understand the importance of surface treatments and their future perspectives. Additional Features Include: Examines various properties of biomedical materials at the beginning in several chapters which will enrich the fundamental knowledge of the readers. Discusses advancements in various fields of biomedical applications. Provides a glimpse of characterization techniques for the evaluation of material properties. Addresses biocompatibility, biocorrosion, and tribocorrosion. This book explores new and novel strategies for the development of materials and their biomedical applications. It will serve as a comprehensive resource for both students and scientists working in materials and biomedical sciences.

The book provides an up-to-date overview of the diverse medical applications of advanced polymers. The book opens by presenting important background information on polymer chemistry and physicochemical characterization of polymers. This serves as essential scientific support for the subsequent chapters, each of which is devoted to the applications of polymers in a particular medical specialty. The coverage is broad, encompassing orthopedics, ophthalmology, tissue engineering, surgery, dentistry, oncology, drug delivery, nephrology, wound dressing and healing, and cardiology. The development of polymers that enhance the biocompatibility of blood-contacting medical devices and the incorporation of polymers within biosensors are also addressed. This book is an excellent guide to the recent advances in polymeric biomaterials and bridges the gap between the research literature and standard textbooks on the applications of polymers in medicine.