Biomedical applications of biodegradable polymers |
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| Authors: | Bret D Ulery Lakshmi S Nair Cato T Laurencin |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New England Musculoskeletal Institute, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030;2. Institute of Regenerative Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030;3. Department of Chemical, Materials & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268 |
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| Abstract: | Utilization of polymers as biomaterials has greatly impacted the advancement of modern medicine. Specifically, polymeric biomaterials that are biodegradable provide the significant advantage of being able to be broken down and removed after they have served their function. Applications are wide ranging with degradable polymers being used clinically as surgical sutures and implants. To fit functional demand, materials with desired physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical, and degradation properties must be selected. Fortunately, a wide range of natural and synthetic degradable polymers has been investigated for biomedical applications with novel materials constantly being developed to meet new challenges. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the field over the past 4 years, specifically highlighting new and interesting discoveries in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011 |
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| Keywords: | biodegradable biomaterials polyamides polycarbonates polyesters polyethers polylactide polyphosphazenes polysaccharides polyurethanes |
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