Biodegradable polymers and composites in biomedical applications: from catgut to tissue engineering - Part 1 - Available systems and their properties

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2004

Authors

Gomes, ME (Author) Other; Rui Reis (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS

Vol. 49

Pages: 261-273

ISSN: 0950-6608

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 79 Citations

Scopus - 99 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-8A9

DOI: 10.1179/095066004225021918

Abstract (EN): Biodegradable polymers form a unique class of materials that created an entirely new concept when originally proposed as biomaterials. That is, for the first time, a material performing a structural application was designed to be completely resorbed and to become weaker over time. This concept was first applied successfully with catgut sutures and later, with more arguable results, on bone fixation plates and pins. Current research on new and improved biodegradable polymers is focused on more sophisticated biomedical applications to solve patients' problems with higher efficacy and the least possible pain. One example is tissue engineering, in which a biodegradable scaffold seeded with an appropriate cell type provides a substitute for damaged human tissue while the natural process of regeneration is completed. An overview is given of the degradation properties and mechanisms of biodegradable polymers, their processability and biocompatibility, focusing on the aspects most relevant to biomedical applications. The main families of biodegradable polymeric systems are described and the systems that are commercially available or that are currently being studied and proposed for specific medical applications are reviewed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13