Advanced Polymer Life Science

Advanced Polymer Life Science targets recent progress in the exploration of functional polymeric structures of living matter, the design and fabrication of a broad range of biology-inspired polymer materials as well as their dedicated applications in the life sciences and beyond. The book covers both fundamental and applied research, showcasing the intricate and interconnected bioanalytical and preparative approaches that characterize contemporary biomaterials science. It features contributions from world-leading experts and emerging talents in the field, addressing enduring challenges with innovative methodologies and exploring newly emerging topics. Collectively, the chapters of the book underscore the scope and the power of macromolecular chemistry, physics and engineering in the advent of bio-interactive materials that blur the boundaries of naturally evolved and man-made systems. Deepening the reader's understanding of the captivating interdisciplinary field of polymer biomaterials science, the book is to encourage further scientific research to understand living nature and solve urgent societal needs.

Dr Jens Friedrichs, a bioengineer by training, leads the research on biointerfacial phenomena at the IPF and has extensive experience in surface-sensitive analytical techniques. His interests include natural adhesion mechanisms and the control of cell adhesion on surfaces.

Dr Uwe Freudenberg, a chemical engineer, directs the IPF research on cell-instructive polymer matrices. He pioneered the development of modular glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based hydrogels as well as their customization for specific biomedical applications, including the clinical translation.

Prof. Dr Carsten Werner, a biochemist, is Scientific Director of the IPF and holds a professorship for Biofunctional Polymer Materials at TU Dresden. He established a biomaterials program that combines the exploration of functional living matter from a materials science perspective with the development of bio-inspired polymer materials.