Conventional materials technology has yielded clear improvements in regenerative medicine. Ideally, however, a replacement material should mimic the living tissue mechanically, chemically, biologically and functionally. The use of tissue-engineered products based on novel biodegradable polymeric systems will lead to dramatic improvements in health care.

The most important materials in development for use in tissue engineering, replacement, and regeneration are based on polymers and on composites reinforced with bioactive ceramics. The first book to address the topic in an integrated manner, Biodegradable Systems in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine presents an extensive description of biodegradable polymers used in medicine and explores their design, development, and processing. The authors discuss the performance of biodegradable systems and the special requirements that should be taken into account when evaluating their biocompatibility. Included are several methodologies for tailoring cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of biodegradable polymers.

This book represents a coordinated effort by outstanding international experts, and provides an integrated, forward-looking perspective. By joining together the most active groups in the field, the editors offer a unified approach, representing diverse fields of study, to produce a revolution in regenerative medicine.

Table of Contents:
PROCESSING AND APPLICATIONS OF BIODEGRADABLE SYSTEMS
Biodegradable Polymers in Medicine
M. Suzuki and Y. Ikada
Injectable Biodegradable Systems
L. F. Boesel and R. L. Reis
Injectable Polymeric Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
M.E. Gomes, R.L. Reis, and A.G. Mikos
Totally or Partially Biodegradable Self-Polymerizing Composites for Orthopedic Surgery and Dental Applications
B. Vázquez, G.A. Abraham, C. Elvira, and J. San Román
Fiber Bonding and Particle Aggregation as Promising Methodologies for the Fabrication of Biodegradable Scaffolds for HardTissue Engineering
M.E. Gomes, P.B. Malafaya, and R.L. Reis
Design and Fabrication of Scaffolds Via Solid Free Form Fabrication
D.W. Hutmacher
Biodegradable Composites for Biomedical Applications
N. M. Neves, J. F. Mano, and R.L. Reis
Development of Bioactive Composites Based on Biodegradable Systems for Bone Replacement Applications
B. Leonor, R. A. Sousa, and R.L. Reis
Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterials
J. F. Mano, N. M. Neves, and R.L. Reis
Chitosan-Based Microcomposites - From Biodegradable Microparticles to Self-Curing Hydrogels
A. Gallardo, M.R. Aguilar, C. Elvira, C. Peniche, and J. San Roman
Processing and Biomedical Applications of Degradable Polymeric Fibers
K. Tuzlakoglu and R.L. Reis
Understanding the Enzymatic Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers and Strategies to Control Their Degradation Rate
H.S. Azevedo and R.L. Reis
PRODUCTION OF BIOMIMETIC COATINGS ON THE SURFACE OF DEGRADABLE POLYMERS
Bonelike Apatite Coatings Nucleated on Biodegradable Polymers as a Way to Induce Bone Mineralization: Current Developments and Future Trends
A. L. Oliveira and R.L. Reis
Biomimetic Coatings, Proteins, and Biocatalysts: A New Approach to Tailor the Properties of Biodegradable Polymers
I.B. Leonor, H.S. Azevedo, C.M. Alves, and R.L. Reis
SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF BIOACTIVE AGENTS
Strategies for Delivering Bone and Cartilage Regenerating Factors
P.B. Malafaya, G.A. Silva, and R.L. Reis
Resorbable Polymeric Delivery Systems Based on Physical Absorption/Diffusion versus Chemically Controlled Delivery Systems
J. San Román, A. Gallardo, C. Elvira, B. Vázquez, and G.A. Abraham
Enzyme Immobilization in Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications
S. A. Costa, H.S. Azevedo, and R.L. Reis
Use of Chemically Modified Chitosan and Other Natural-Origin Polymers in Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery
E. T. Baran and R.L. Reis
BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO DEGRADABLE BIOMATERIALS
Cytotoxicity Screening of Biodegradable Polymeric Systems
G.A. Silva, A. P. Marques, M.E. Gomes, O. P. Coutinho, and R.L. Reis
Natural-Origin Degradable Materials: The Barrier or the Passage through the Immune System?
P. Marques, J. A. Hunt, and R.L. Reis
Mediation of the Cytokine Network in the Implantation of Orthopedic Devices
P. Marques, J. A. Hunt, and R.L. Reis
Protein and Cell Interactions with Biodegradable Systems
C.M. Alves and R.L. Reis
Surface Activation and Modification - A Way for Improving the Biocompatibility of Degradable Biomaterials
I. Pashkuleva and R.L. Reis
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS FOR THE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATION OF DIFFERENT TISSUES
Bone and Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: The Biological Components
A.J. Salgado, M.E. Gomes, O. P. Coutinho, and R.L. Reis
Tissue Engineering of the Liver
Y.M. Elcin
Smart Biodegradable Hydrogels with Applications in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering
C. Elvira, G.A. Abraham, A. Gallardo, and J. San Román
Skin Tissue Engineering Part I - Review
D.W. Hutmacher, K. W. Ng, and H. L. Khor
Skin Tissue Engineering Part II - The In Vitro Evaluation of Natural and Synthetic 3-D Matrices as Dermal Substrates
K. W. Ng, H. L. Khor, and D.W. Hutmacher
Biodegradable Polymers for Guided Nerve Regeneration
K. Tuzlakoglu and R.L. Reis
INDEX