Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications

How Can Polymers Constructed From Living Organisms Help Eliminate the Disposal Issue?

A unique category of materials called biodegradable polymers could help remedy a growing environmental concern. Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications considers the potential of biodegradable polymers for use in biomedical applications that include drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Since biomaterials perform on a time-limited function and are designed to disappear from the body after use, the development of biopolymers could greatly reduce and eliminate the need for plastic products, most specifically those used in biomedical applications.

Highlights Biomaterials and the Design and Application of Biomaterials

Utilizing expert research contributors from around the world, this book considers the benefits and limitations of a variety of biomaterials, such as biopolymers, ceramics, biodegradable nanocomposites, and natural products–based biomaterials. It explores the bio-nano-interface; the interaction between nanoparticles and biomaterials, explains the basic concepts and methods of biodegradable nanocomposites (BNCs), and highlights recent developments in polymer-based bionanocomposites. The book provides an overview of degradation properties and the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers. It also breaks down the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of starch-based polymers, and outlines distinct advantages (biodegradability and nontoxicity) that make them suitable as medical polymer materials. In addition, it highlights the FDA-approved biodegradable polyester family and focuses on the state-of-the-art recent advancements in drug-delivery devices.

Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications provides current knowledge on biopolymers, examines recent developments and trends, and considers future applications of polymers. Featuring the work of highly-qualified international researchers, this book addresses applications relevant to polymer and material science, as well as material, biomedical, and chemical engineering, and is of specific interest to polymer science engineers.

Dr. Dilip Depan is a research scientist in the Chemical Engineering Department and has been teaching undergraduate courses at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned his PhD from the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India, in 2009. Dr. Depan has an extensive research background in the modification and characterization of biomaterial surface for various biomedical applications. His recent research focuses on bone–biomaterial interaction, tissue engineering 3-D scaffolds, dental materials, nanomedicine, and engineering education.