A comprehensive overview of biodegradable polymers, covering everything from synthesis, characterization, and degradation mechanisms while also introducing useful applications, such as drug delivery systems and biomaterial-based regenerative therapies. An introductory section deals with such fundamentals as basic chemical reactions during degradation, the complexity of biological environments and experimental methods for monitoring degradation processes.
The result is a reliable reference source for those wanting to learn more about this important class of polymer materials, as well as scientists in the field seeking a deeper insight.
The result is a reliable reference source for those wanting to learn more about this important class of polymer materials, as well as scientists in the field seeking a deeper insight.
Table of Contents
PrefacePOLYESTERS
Historical Background
Preparative Methods
Physical Properties
Degradation Mechanisms
Beyond Classical Poly(Hydroxycarboxylic Acids)
BIOTECHNOLOGICALLY PRODUCED BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTERS
Introduction
History
Polyhydroxyalkanoates -
Granules Morphology
Biosynthesis and Biodegradability of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) and Other Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Extraction and Recovery
Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Future Directions
POLYANHYDRIDES
Introduction
Types of Polyanhydride
Synthesis
Properties
In Vitro Degradation and Erosion of Polyanhydrides
In Vivo Degradation and Elimination of Polyanhydrides
Toxicological Aspects of Polyanhydrides
Fabrication of Delivery Systems
Production and World Market
Biomedical Applications
POLY(ORTHO ESTERS)
Introduction
poe II
poe IV
Solid Polymers
Gel-Like Materials
Polymers Based on an Alternate Diketene Acetal
Conclusions
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS CMPOSED OF NATURALLY OCCURRING ALPHA-AMINO ACIDS
Introduction
Amino Acid-Based Biodegradable Polymers AABBPs)
Conclusion and Perspectives
BIODEGRADABLE POLYURETHANES AND POLY(ESTER AMIDE)S
Chemistry and Properties of Biodegradable Polyurethanes
Biodegradation Mechanisms of Polyurethanes
New Polymerization Trends to Obtain Degradable Polyurethanes
Aliphatic Poly(ester amide)s: A Family of Biodegradable Thermoplastics with Interest as New Biomaterials
CARBOHYDRATES
Introduction
Alginate
Carrageenan
Cellulose and Its Derivatives
Microbial Cellulose
Chitin and Chitosan
Dextran
Gellan
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronan)
Puululan
Scleroglucan
Xanthan
Summary
BIODEGRADABLE SHAPE-MEMORY POLYMERS
Introduction
General Concept of SMPs
Classes of Degradable SMPs
Applications of Biodegradable SMPs
BIODEGRADABLE ELASTIC HYDROGELS FOR TISSUE EXPANDER APPLICATION
Introduction
Synthesis of Elastic Hydrogels
Physical Properties of Elastic Hydrogels
Applications of Elastic Hydrogels
Elastic Hydrogels for Tissue Expander Applications
BIODEGRADABLE DENDRIMERS AND DENDRITIC POLYMERS
Introduction
Challenges for Designing Biodegradable Dendrimers
Design of Self-Immolative Biodegradable Dendrimers
Biological Implications of Biodegradable Dendrimers
Future Perspectives of Biodegradable Dendrimers
Concluding Remarks
ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR MONITORING BIODEGRADATION PROCESSES OF ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADABLE POLYMERS
Introduction
Some Background
Defining Biodegradability
Mechanisms of Polymer Degradation
Measuring Biodegradation of Polymers
Conclusions
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF MICROBIAL DEPOLYMERIZATION PROCESSES OF XENOBIOTIC POLYMERS
Introduction
Analysis of Exogeneous Depolymerization
Materials and Methods
Analysis of Endogenous Depolymerization
Discussion
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: RECONSTRUCTION OF TRACHEAL AND PHARYNGEAL MUCOSAL DEFECTS IN HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
Introduction
Regenerative Medicine for the Reconstruction of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Methods and Novel Therapeutical Options in Head and Neck Surgery
Vascularization of Tissue-Engineered Constructs
Application of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine
Conclusion
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS AS SCAFFOLDS FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING
Introduction
Short Overview of Regenerative Biology
Minimum Requirements for Tissue Engineering
Structure of Scaffolds
Biodegradable Polymers for Tissue Engineering
Some Examples for Clinical Application of Scaffold
Conclusions
DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Introduction
The Clinical Need for Drug Delivery Systems
Poly(Alpha-Hydroxyl Acids)
Polyanhydrides
Manufacturing Routes
Examples of Biodegradable Polymer Drug Delivery Systems Under Development
Concluding Remarks
OXO-BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS: PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Introduction
Controlled-Lifetime Plastics
The Abiotic Oxidation of Polyolefins
Enhanced Oxo-Biodegradation of Polyolefins
Processability and Recovery of Oxo-Biodegradable Polyolefins
Concluding Remarks
