Electrically Active Materials for Medical Devices

Stress induced electrical charges, action potential and electret behavior of bone, muscles, skin and nerve cells have been known for some time. Electrically Active Materials for Medical Devices builds on this knowledge and encourages readers to understand and exploit electrical activity in biomaterials from native, derived, or completely synthetic origin, or a combination thereof. It presents data and insights from both historic and contemporary research that spans over six decades with a view to generate convergence of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.Divided into four parts, this book first introduces the reader to a general overview of electrically active materials in biology and biomedical science and describes important concepts and pioneering discoveries. The second part discusses common types of materials that are known to generate electrical activity and lays the foundation for these materials for use in medical devices. The third part gives examples of where electrically active materials have been examined for device application. The final part looks for upcoming and emerging concepts, tools and methodologies that are expected to shape the future profile of this field of converging science.Written by specialists in their respective fields, it has been specifically targeted at a readership of professionals, graduate students and researchers in the fields of biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry biology and clinical medicine.

Dr. Syed Tofail, PhD, MSc Eng., BSc Eng., is a Senior Research Fellow with the Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland. He has about 10 years experience in the development and characterisation of nano- and biomaterials. His major research accomplishment is establishing the correct crystal symmetry of hydroxyapatite, a leading synthetic biomaterial. This led him to the discovery of piezoelectricity in synthetic hydroxyapatite. Dr. Tofail is skilled in conducting fundamental research in the field of materials and surface science with the aim of developing medical devices with new functionality. For this, he works closely with relevant industrial players. Dr. Tofail is currently coordinating a European Commission Framework 7 project funded under the Nanotechnology, Materials and Processing (NMP) programme. One of the core objectives of this project is to develop MRSA-resistant medical textiles. In addition, the project will also develop implantable devices for cardiovascular, orthopaedic and urinary applications.