Synthesis and Properties of Biodegradable Polymers Used as Synthetic Matrices for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Reviews the synthesis and properties of biodegradable polymers used in tissue engineering, and discusses applications for engineering a variety of tissue types, as well as relevant FDA and patent issues. Traces the history of tissue engineering, overviews legal issues, examines properties of synthetic polymers already used in the field and those that could be, and looks at the synthesis of biologically active polymers. Describes how polymers can be used for drug delivery and in engineering epithelial and urologic tissue, vascular structures, cartilage, bone, and liver. Of interest to engineers, scientists, and clinicians. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR