Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers, the seventh volume in the Drug Delivery and Targeting book series, provides a source manual for synthetic procedures, properties and applications of bioerodible polymers. The authors describe widely available materials such as polyactides, collagen and gelatin, as well as polymers of emerging importance, such as the genetically-engineered and elastin-based polymers which are either proprietary or in early stages of development. Section I addresses synthetic absorbable polymers, and Section 2 profiles natural, semi-synthetic and biosynthetic polymers. Section 3 discusses the surface characterization of degradable polymers, the modeling of biodegradation and non-medical polymers. This book is ideal for researchers from academia and industry as well as chemists, pharmacists and physicians who deal with biopolymers, drug delivery and targeting, bioengineering and implantable devices.

Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers, the seventh volume in the Drug Delivery and Targeting book series, provides a source manual for synthetic procedures, properties and applications of bioerodible polymers. The authors describe widely available materials such as polyactides, collagen and gelatin, as well as polymers of emerging importance, such as the genetically-engineered and elastin-based polymers which are either proprietary or in early stages of development. Section I addresses synthetic absorbable polymers, and Section 2 profiles natural, semi-synthetic and biosynthetic polymers. Section 3 discusses the surface characterization of degradable polymers, the modeling of biodegradation and non-medical polymers. This book is ideal for researchers from academia and industry as well as chemists, pharmacists and physicians who deal with biopolymers, drug delivery and targeting, bioengineering and implantable devices.

Liposomes, vesicles with one or more lipid bilayers entrapping an inner aqueous core, are widely used as drug delivery systems. When liposomes are smaller than 100 nanometers (nano liposomes) they have a unique capability of selectively accumulating in tumors and inflamed tissues. This phenomenon, known as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, is related to the relatively high 'leakiness' of blood vessels in these diseased tissues. In this book, we present a novel approach for triggering drug release from liposomes at the target site, by use of a remote trigger - low frequency ultrasound. The book includes detailed descriptions of formulation, characterization, and in vivo performance of liposome-based drugs, with focus and insights into the biophysical phenomena governing ultrasound-induced liposomal drug release. Special attention is given to the principles needed to formulate ultrasound-responsive liposomes. The book is intended for people entering the field of liposome-based drug delivery as well as experienced scientists seeking fundamental understanding of the mechanism by which ultrasound interacts with lipid bilayers.