A unique perspective of twentieth century research and development in materials science. It summarizes the fifteen years of sol-gel silica processing research leading to the commercial development of bioactive gel-glasses for medical applications. It demonstrates the combined use of quantum mechanical molecular modeling and spectroscopy to solve environmental stability problems. A final chapter addresses the topic of Technology Transfer - how to transfer technology from the laboratory to a profitable commercial enterprise using examples from various chapters in the book.

This volume summarizes recent developments in the use of new materials and technologies in healthcare. The emphasis is on new approaches that incorporate bioactive materials and scaffolds with cells in the emerging technologies of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The incorporation of nanotechnology, stem cells, and gene control of cells is included in the current research discussed. Clinical applications are described throughout the volume, along with economic and bioethics issues. The chapters are organized into four sections of clinical needs and an overview that summarizes the technologies that provide new approaches to clinical problems. The clinical areas addressed are Skeletal and Skin Repair, Heart and Cardiovascular Repair, Neuronal Repair, and Sensory Repair. The chapters were written by a multidisciplinary group of authors from six universities: the University of Arizona (US), the University of Central Florida (US), Imperial College London (UK), King's College, Guy's Hospital, University of London (UK), University of Florida (US) and Kyoto University (Japan). This book can be used as a reference book or as a textbook for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses in bioengineering, biomaterials or healthcare management.Watch the video interview with Professor Larry Hench and Dr Julian Jones introducing .

This is the second edition of the classic book An Introduction to Bioceramics which provides a comprehensive overview of all types of ceramic and glass materials that are used in medicine and dentistry. The enormous growth of the field of bioceramics is due to the recognition by the medical and dental community of the importance of bioactive materials to stimulate repair and regeneration of tissues. This edition includes 21 new chapters that document the science and especially the clinical applications of the new generation of bioceramics in the field of tissue regeneration and repair. Important socioeconomic factors influencing the economics and availability of new medical treatments are covered with updates on regulatory procedures for new biomaterials, methods for technology transfer and ethical issues.The book contains 42 chapters that offer the only comprehensive treatment of the science, technology and clinical applications of all types of bioceramic materials used in medicine and dentistry. Each chapter is written by leaders in their specialized fields and is a thorough review of the subject matter, unlike many conference proceedings. All chapters have been edited to reflect the same writing style, making the book an easy read. The completeness of treatment of all types of bioceramics and their clinical applications makes the book unique in the field and invaluable to all readers.

Every day, headlines emphasise the impact that technology has on the manipulation of life. We all want to live longer, healthier, happier lives. To live at all costs and maintain life at all costs has become a popular aim. This book examines those costs; it probes the consequences of putting one's faith in science. It explores the belief that with science comes certainty. The use and misuse of implants, transplants, cloning, genetic manipulation, health care resources, birth and death control are debated in terms of the complex scientific, economic and ethical issues involved.