Modified fibers with medical and specialty applications

Abstract

A helpful introduction into diverse new areas of medical and speciality fiber development, including wound dressing and implant design, protein-fiber interactions, and basics in electrospinning technology. Modified Fibers with Medical and Speciality Applications incorporates diverse aspects of fiber modification into a single volume. The book lays out some cutting edge areas of fiber design and function in an introductory format that gives interested readers insight into fertile areas of fiber research. This book is unique in that it addresses a wide range of applications and modifications of natural and synthetic fibers for various applications. The focus is on medical applications, but others are also included. Some of these applications are related to military and homeland security applications, a very timely subject. Others are related to wound dressing design and future improvements. This book addresses many of the newer research areas as they relate to fiber modification. The book focuses on the state-of-the-art research, as new applications for synthetic and natural fibers emerge, in these areas. Smart wound dressing design Protein adsorption Microbe adhesion Surface activation Covalent coupling Biocompatibility Magnetic fibers This book will be an invaluable resource for researchers and others interested in future developments in fiber technology. Several innovative applications for natural and synthetic fibers are described in considerable detail with emphasis on the experimental data that supports these new applications. From bandages to magnetic materials and from antibacterial clothing to implants, creative modifications to fibers are described that could one day become commonplace. Never before has this much new information about fiber modification been packaged into one book volume. In this book the world's leading experts describe their most recent research in their areas of expertise. The book will also be a useful tool for students and researchers, providing helpful insights into new evolving research areas in medical and speciality fiber application. It is suitable for workshops introducing current concepts in fibers, for textile undergraduate courses, as well as for professional seminars. © 2006 Springer. All rights reserved.