Polymers are important and attractive biomaterials for researchers and clinical applications due to the ease of tailoring their chemical, physical and biological properties for target devices. Due to this versatility they are rapidly replacing other classes of biomaterials such as ceramics or metals. As a result, the demand for biomedical polymers has grown exponentially and supports a diverse and highly monetized research community. Currently worth $1.2bn in 2009 (up from $650m in 2000), biomedical polymers are expected to achieve a CAGR of 9.8% until 2015, supporting a current research community of approximately 28,000+.

Summarizing the main advances in biopolymer development of the last decades, this work systematically covers both the physical science and biomedical engineering of the multidisciplinary field. Coverage extends across synthesis, characterization, design consideration and biomedical applications. The work supports scientists researching the formulation of novel polymers with desirable physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties for specific targeted biomedical applications.
Combines chemistry, biology and engineering for expert and appropriate integration of design and engineering of polymeric biomaterials Physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties alongside currently deployed clinical applications of specific biomaterials aids use as single source reference on field. 15+ case studies provides in-depth analysis of currently used polymeric biomaterials, aiding design considerations for the future

Artificial Protein and Peptide Nanofibers: Design, Fabrication, Characterization, and Applications provides comprehensive knowledge of the preparation, modification and applications of protein and peptide nanofibers. The book reviews the synthesis and strategies necessary to create protein and peptide nanofibers, such as self-assembly (including supramolecular assembly), electrospinning, template synthesis, and enzymatic synthesis. Then, the key chemical modification and molecular design methods are highlighted that can be utilized to improve the bio-functions of these synthetic fibers. Finally, fabrication methods for key applications, such as sensing, drug delivery, imaging, tissue engineering and electronic devices are reviewed. This book will be an ideal resource for those working in materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, nanotechnology and biomedicine.

Bio-Instructive Scaffolds for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine explores musculoskeletal tissue growth and development across populations, ranging from elite athletes to the elderly. The regeneration and reparation of musculoskeletal tissues present the unique challenges of requiring both the need to withstand distinct forces applied to the body and ability to support cell populations. The book is separated into sections based on tissue type, including bone, cartilage, ligament and tendon, muscle, and musculoskeletal tissue interfaces. Within each tissue type, the chapters are subcategorized into strategies focused on cells, hydrogels, polymers, and other materials (i.e. ceramics and metals) utilized in musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications. In each chapter, the relationships that exist amongst the strategy, stem cell differentiation and somatic cell specialization at the intracellular level are emphasized. Examples include intracellular signaling through growth factor delivery, geometry sensing of the surrounding network, and cell signaling that stems from altered population dynamics.