This volume presents 10 reviews contributed by eminent researchers around the world on chitosan based materials. The introductory chapters present information on general characteristics of chitosan and various types of materials which are based on it such as nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanocapsules and other chemically modified chitosans. This is followed by an explanation of chitosan characterization and extraction techniques. Concluding chapters describe the applications of chitosan products in water treatment, drug delivery, edible films and pervaporation membranes. Readers will therefore gain an understanding about chitosan and materials derived from this polymer and their practical applications. The volume serves as a simple reference for chemical engineering students and professionals interested in the basic and applied chemistry of chitosan and chitosan-derived products.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field which involves the fabrication of tissues by using a porous protein scaffold, cells and bioactive molecules. The aim of tissue engineering is to enhance medical applications and procedures. This volume introduces the reader to the basics of employing pluripotent stem cells in tissue engineering. Successive chapters present knowledge about relevant tissue engineering techniques in different medical and physiological specialties including dentistry, cardiovascular physiology, hepatology, nephrology, dermatology and orthopedics. The text offers a wealth of information that will be of use to all students, bioengineers, materials scientists, chemists, physicians and surgeons concerned with the properties, performance, and the application of tissue engineering scaffolds in clinical settings.

This volume reviews the published knowledge about bioactive composites, protein scaffolds and hydrogels. Chapters also detail the production parameters and clarify the evaluation protocol for analysis or testing and scaffolding biomaterials. The volume concludes with a summary of applications of porous scaffold in medicine. Each chapter links basic scientific and engineering concepts to practical applications for the benefit of the reader. The text offers a wealth of information that will be of use to all students, bioengineers, materials scientists, chemists, physicians and surgeons concerned with the properties, performance, and the application of tissue engineering scaffolds in clinical settings.

Nature has provided opportunities for scientists to observe patterns in biomaterials which can be imitated when designing construction materials. Materials designed with natural elements can be robust and environment friendly at the same time. Advances in our understanding of biology and materials science coupled with the extensive observation of nature have stimulated the search for better accommodation/compression of materials and the higher organization/reduction of mechanical stress in man-made structures. </p> <p> Bio-Inspired Materials is a collection of topics that explore frontiers in 3 sections of bio-inspired design: (i) bionics design, (ii) bio-inspired construction, and (iii) bio-materials. Chapters in each section address the most recent advances in our knowledge about the desired and expected relationship between humans and nature and its use in bio-inspired buildings. Readers will also be introduced to new concepts relevant to bionics, biomimicry, and biomimetics. </p> <p> Section (i) presents research concepts based on information gained from the direct observation of nature and its applications for human living. </p> <p> Section (ii) is devoted to ‘artificial construction’ of the Earth. This section addresses issues on geopolymers, materials that resemble the structure of soils and natural rocks; procedures that reduce damage caused by earthquakes in natural construction, the development of products from vegetable resins and construction principles using bamboo. </p> <p> The last section takes a look into the future towards the improvement of human living conditions. </p> <p> Bio-Inspired Materials offers readers - having a background in architecture, civil engineering and systems biology - a new perspective about sustainable building which is a key part of addressing the environmental concerns of current times. </p>

Nanotechnology promises new medical therapies, more rapid and sensitive diagnostic and investigative tools for normal and diseased tissues, and new materials for tissue engineering. This e-book highlights the major current uses, new technologies and future perspectives of nanotechnology in relation to medical applications. Sections in this e-book include nanobiological approaches to imaging, diagnosis and treatment of disease using targeted monoclonal antibodies and siRNA, the medical use of nanomaterials, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology for cell repair. The book also covers current problems associated with nanotechnology, including an understanding of issues related to toxicity and the environmental impact of nanoscale materials. The book should be of interest to biomedical technologists, medical doctors and students of taught courses in nanotechnology at both undergraduate and post-graduate (MSc) levels.