Natural-based polymers for biomedical applications

This book reviews the wealth of research on both proven and promising natural-based biomedical polymers, together with their applications as implantable biomaterials, controlled release carriers, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Part I reviews the sources, processing, and properties of natural-based polymers for biomedical applications. Part II describes how the surfaces of polymer-based biomaterials can be modified to improve their functionality, and Part III discusses the use of natural-based polymers for biodegradable scaffolds and hydrogels in tissue engineering. Part IV looks at the use of natural-gelling polymers for encapsulation, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Part V reviews the use of natural-based polymers as delivery systems for drugs, hormones, and enzymes, and Part VI summarizes research on the issue of biocompatibility. B&w images are included. The book will serve as a reference for biomedical engineers, students, and researchers. Reis is affiliated with the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal. The book is co-published with Woodhead Publishing. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)