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Polymers as biomaterials for tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery
Lakshmi S Nair1, Cato T Laurencin
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22903, USA.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|November 9, 2006
Summary
Biodegradable polymers are crucial in medicine for applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering. This review covers various natural and synthetic polymers, highlighting their tailored properties for advanced medical technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are essential for medical applications requiring transient material presence.
- They are utilized in sutures, tissue scaffolds, adhesives, hemostats, and drug delivery systems.
- Material properties must be precisely tuned for effective therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biodegradable polymeric materials for medical applications.
- Focus on drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Discusses the need for novel polymers due to advances in biology and medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biodegradable polymers.
- Analysis of natural and synthetic polymer investigations.
- Examination of material properties for specific medical uses.
Main Results:
- A wide array of biodegradable polymers (natural and synthetic) are under investigation.
- Specific physical, chemical, biological, and biomechanical properties are critical for each application.
- Advances necessitate polymer modification or novel synthesis for targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable polymers are versatile materials in modern medicine.
- Tailored polymer design is key for effective drug delivery and tissue engineering.
- Ongoing research is vital to meet the demands of evolving medical technologies.
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