Natural-Based Polymers for Biomedical Applications

1st Edition - August 15, 2008
Authors: Rui L. Reis, Nuno M. Neves, Joao F. Mano, Manuela E. Gomes, Alexandra P. Marques, Helena S. Azevedo
Language: English
Hardback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 8 4 5 6 9 - 2 6 4 - 3
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 8 4 5 6 9 - 4 8 1 - 4

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… Read more

Natural-Based Polymers for Biomedical Applications

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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.

Part 1 Sources, properties, modification and processing of natural-based polymers: Polysaccharides as carriers of bioactive agents for medical applications; Purification of naturally-occurring biomaterials; Processing of starch-based blends for biomedical applications; Controlling the degradation of natural polymers for biomedical applications; Smart biomedical systems based on polysaccharides. Part 2 Surface modification and biomimetic coatings: Surface modification of natural-based biomedical polymers; New biomineralization strategies for the use of natural-based polymeric materials in bone-tissue engineering; Natural-based multilayer films for biomedical applications; Peptide modification of polysaccharide scaffolds in tissue engineering. Part 3 Biodegradable scaffolds and hydrogels for tissue regeneration: Scaffolds based on hyaluronan derivatives in biomedical applications; Electro-spun elastin and collagen nano-fibers and their application as biomaterials; Starch-polycaprolactone based scaffold for bone tissue engineering; Chitosan-based scaffolds in orthopaedic applications; Elastin-like systems for tissue engineering; Collagen-based scaffolds for tissue engineering; Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and its potential for biomedical applications; Electrospinning of natural proteins for tissue engineering. Part 4 Naturally-derived hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Naturally-derived gel-forming materials: Fundamentals, applications and challenges in tissue engineering; Alginate hydrogels as matrices for tissue engineering; Fibrin matrices in tissue engineering; Natural-based polymers for encapsulation of living cells: Fundamentals, applications and challenges; Hydrogels for neuronal regeneration. Part 5 Systems for the sustained release of molecules: Particles for controlled drug delivery; Thiolated chitosans in non-invasive drug delivery; Chitosan-polysaccharide blended nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery. Part 6 Biocompatibility of natural-based polymers: In vivo tissue response to natural-origin biomaterials; Immunological issues in tissue engineering; Biocompatibility of hyaluronic acid: From cell recognition to therapeutic applications; Biocompatibility of starch-based polymers; Vascularisation strategies in tissue engineering.

Rui L. Reis

Professor Rui L. Reis works in the Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal.

Nuno M. Neves

Nuno M. Neves works in the Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal.

Joao F. Mano

João F. Mano (CEng, PhD, DSc) is a Full Professor at the Chemistry Department of University of Aveiro, Portugal, where he is directing both the MSc and PhD programs of Biotechnology. He is the founder and director of the COMPASS Research Group, from the Associated Laboratory CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. His research interests include the use of advanced biomaterials and cells towards the progress of transdisciplinary concepts to be employed in regenerative and personalised medicine. In particular, he has been applying biomimetic and nano/micro-technology approaches to polymer-based biomaterials and surfaces in order to develop biomedical devices with improved structural and (multi-)functional properties, or in the engineering of microenvironments to control cell behaviour and organization, to be exploited clinically in advanced therapies or in drug screening. João Mano is the Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio (Elsevier). He has been coordinating or involved in many national and European research projects, including Advanced and Proof-of-Concept Grants from the European Research Council. João Mano is an elected fellow of the European Academy of Sciences.

Affiliations and expertise

Full Professor, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campo Universitario de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal

Manuela E. Gomes

Manuela E. Gomes works in the Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal.

Alexandra P. Marques

Alexandra P. Marques works in the Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal.

Helena S. Azevedo

Helena S. Azevedo works in the Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal.

Affiliations and expertise

University of Minho, Portugal