Explains models from natural flash systems Discusses theoretical considerations of flash systems Presents approaches and procedures for designing synthetic flash systems Explores methods for preparing flash systems for specific applications The design of environment-sensitive devices for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications has improved significantly due to recent advances in smart polymer and hydrogel technology. Despite their capacity to carry out functions that previously were unobtainable, smart polymers and hydrogels tend to have painfully slow response times. On the other hand biological systems go through phase changes at an extremely fast rate. This book examines the natural systems that respond almost instantaneously to environmental stimuli, and thus gives the reader an understanding of the mechanisms that govern these responses. The book includes chapters on how to go about designing a synthetic "flash" system based on the naturally occurring systems. It also deals with potential applications of flash systems in biomedical and pharmaceutical areas.

From the Authors' Preface The advances made in the area of controlled drug delivery during the last two decades are remarkable ....Of the many polymeric materials, biodegradable hydrogels present unique advantages and opportunities in the development of ...delivery devices....We have undertaken the challenge of putting together information relevant to biodegradable hydrogels in one place. This book covers the mechanisms of biodegradation, types of biodegradable hydrogels,chemical and physical gels, chemical and enzymatic degradation, and examples of biodegradable drug delivery systems.

Cancer can affect people of all ages, and approximately one in three people are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Extensive research is being undertaken by many different institutions to explore potential new therapeutics, and biomaterials technology is now being developed to target, treat and prevent cancer. This unique book discusses the role and potential of biomaterials in treating this prevalent disease.
The first part of the book discusses the fundamentals of biomaterials for cancer therapeutics. Chapters in part two discuss synthetic vaccines, proteins and polymers for cancer therapeutics. Part three focusses on theranosis and drug delivery systems, whilst the final set of chapters look at biomaterial therapies and cancer cell interaction.
This extensive book provides a complete overview of the latest research into the potential of biomaterials for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of cancer. Biomaterials for cancer therapeutics is an essential text for academics, scientists and researchers within the biomedical industry, and will also be of interest to clinicians with a research interest in cancer therapies and biomaterials.
A complete overview of the latest research into the potential of biomaterials for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of cancerDiscusses the fundamentals of biomaterials for cancer therapeuticsDiscusses synthetic vaccines, proteins and polymers for cancer therapeutics

. Despite their capacity to carry out functions that previously were unobtainable, smart polymers and hydrogels tend to have painfully slow response times. On the other hand biological systems go through phase changes at an extremely fast rate. Reflexive Polymers and Hydrogels examines the natural systems that respond almost instantaneously to environmental stimuli, and thus gives the reader an understanding of the mechanisms that govern these responses. The book includes chapters on approaches and procedures for designing a synthetic ...flash... system based on naturally occurring systems. It also deals with some of the promising potential applications of flash systems in industry.

Biodrug Delivery Systems: Fundamentals, Applications and Clinical Development presents the work of an international group of leading experts in drug development and biopharmaceutical science who discuss the latest advances in biodrug delivery systems and associated techniques. The book discusses components of successful formulation, delivery, and production of biodrugs, which include sophisticated plants and complex processes, a well-trained and knowledgeable staff, and proper quality control. In addition, the authors examine: ADME (Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, and Elimination of biodrugs) Directing and influencing the successful development of currently marketed best-selling biodrugs Routes of administration Mechanisms of biodrug absorption Alternative possibilities for drug delivery routes Formulationson the market from the perspective of industry personnel involved in biodrug development

An international group of leading experts in drug development and biopharmaceutical science discusses the latest advances in biodrug delivery systems and associated techniques.

Components of successful formulation, delivery, and production of biodrugs, are explored, including:

• sophisticated plants and complex processes
• a well-trained and knowledgeable staff
• proper quality control

In addition, Biodrug Delivery Systems examines:

• ADME (Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, and Elimination of biodrugs)
• directing and influencing the successful development of currently marketed best-selling biodrugs
• routes of administration
• mechanisms of biodrug absorption
• alternative possibilities for drug delivery routes
• a focus on formulations on the market from the perspective of industry personnel involved in biodrug development

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced drug delivery and targeting, covering their principles, current applications, and potential future developments. This edition has been updated to reflect significant trends and cutting-edge advances that have occurred since the first edition was published. All the original chapters have been retained, but the material therein has been updated. Eight new chapters have been added that deal with entirely new technologies and approaches.

Hydrogels are networks of polymer chains which can produce a colloidal gel containing over 99 per cent water. The superabsorbency and permeability of naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels give this class of materials an amazing array of uses. These uses range from wound dressings and skin grafts to oxygen-permeable contact lenses to biodegradable delivery systems for drugs or pesticides and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels Handbook provides a comprehensive description of this diverse class of materials, covering both synthesis and properties and a broad range of research and commercial applications. The Handbook is divided into four sections: Stimuli-Sensitive Hydrogels, Hydrogels for Drug Delivery, Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering, and Hydrogels with Unique Properties. Key Features: Provides comprehensive coverage of the basic science and applications of a diverse class of materials Includes both naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels Edited and written by world leaders in the field.

This book was conceived from a simple question as to why cancer is so difficult to treat. Ultimately we want to find ways to cure cancers, but that may be an elusive dream at least with the technologies we have now and expect to have in the near future. This leads the question of whether it is possible to improve current cancer treatment methods, especially from the perspective of enhancing targeted drug delivery to tumors. This volume is designed to provide information related to the difficulties in treating cancers through targeted drug delivery, our current understanding of cancer biology, and potential technologies that might be used to achieve enhanced drug delivery to tumors. An ideal drug delivery system for treating cancers would maximize the therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects in clinical applications. The seemingly improved anticancer efficacy of the current nanoparticle-based formulations needs to be viewed from the context of very poor success rates for translation to human applications. The results of in vitro cell culture models and small animal in vivo experiments have not been extrapolated to clinical applications. Finding the reasons for the lack of successful translation is required if we are to discover approaches to substantially extend the survival time of cancer patients, and hopefully identify cures. Cancer Targeted Drug Delivery: Elusive Dream describes some answers of achieving the so far elusive dream of treating cancers like other chronic diseases with therapies that focus using improved drug delivery systems designed to better align with the unique biological and physiological properties of cancer.

Hydrogels are networks of polymer chains which can produce a colloidal gel containing over 99 per cent water. The superabsorbency and permeability of naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels give this class of materials an amazing array of uses. These uses range from wound dressings and skin grafts to oxygen-permeable contact lenses to biodegradable delivery systems for drugs or pesticides and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels Handbook provides a comprehensive description of this diverse class of materials, covering both synthesis and properties and a broad range of research and commercial applications. The Handbook is divided into four sections: Stimuli-Sensitive Hydrogels, Hydrogels for Drug Delivery, Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering, and Hydrogels with Unique Properties.

Key Features:

• Provides comprehensive coverage of the basic science and applications of a diverse class of materials
• Includes both naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels
• Edited and written by world leaders in the field.

Biomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics: Evolution and Innovation, Second Edition, discusses the role and potential of biomaterials in treating this prevalent disease. The first part of the book discusses the fundamentals of biomaterials for cancer therapeutics. Part Two discusses synthetic vaccines, proteins and polymers for cancer therapeutics. Part Three focuses on theranosis and drug delivery systems, while the final set of chapters look at biomaterial therapies and cancer cell interaction. Cancer affects people of all ages, and approximately one in three people are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Extensive research is being undertaken by many different institutions to explore potential new therapeutics, and biomaterials technology is being developed to target, treat and prevent cancer. Hence, this book is a welcomed resource to the discussion.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced drug delivery and targeting, covering their principles, current applications, and potential future developments. This edition has been updated to reflect significant trends and cutting-edge advances that have occurred since the first edition was published. All the original chapters have been retained, but the material therein has been updated. Eight new chapters have been added that deal with entirely new technologies and approaches. Features: Offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and underlying scientific principles of drug delivery and targeting Presents an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and obstacles afforded by the application of nanotechnologies for drug delivery and targeting Includes a revised and expanded section on the major epithelial routes of drug delivery currently under investigation Describes the most recent, emerging, and innovative technologies of drug delivery Provides real-life examples of the clinical translation of drug delivery technologies through the use of case studies Discusses the pertinent regulatory hurdles and safety issues of drug delivery and targeting systems-crucial considerations in order to achieve licensing approval for these new technologies