Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Comprehensive resource presenting a thorough overview of the biomedical applications of hydrogels

This book provides an overview of the development and applications of the clinically relevant hydrogels that are used particularly in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, it goes through the material from chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, nanotechnology, and bioengineering points of view. Sample topics covered by the three well-qualified editors include:

• The design, functions, and developments of hydrogels
• Proteins and polysaccharides that mimic extracellular matrix
• Generation and applications of supramolecular hydrogels
• Design and functions of cell encapsulation systems

Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications is a useful all-in-one reference work for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and bioengineers which provides a comprehensive, contemporary understanding of hydrogels and their applications targeting a wide variety of pathologies.

Ricardo A. Pires is a Senior Researcher at 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group at University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal, and works part of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at University of Minho. He did his Ph.D. at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal in 2004. His research interests include supramolecular hydrogels, protein aggregation, and bionanomaterials.

Iva Pashkuleva is Principal Researcher at 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group at University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal. She also works for the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at University of Minho. She received her Ph.D. in Organic Synthesis from University of Sofia, Bulgaria in 2000 and worked there as Assistant Professor until 2002. Her research interests include glycan supramolecular systems, self-assembly, and cell-surface interactions.

Rui L. Reis is Director of 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group and Professor of Polymer Engineering at University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal. He is also the CEO of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, the Coordinator of the Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Global President of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) and the Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (Wiley). He received his Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering from University of Minho in co-operation with Brunel University, UK. He has published more than 100 research articles and holds around 60 patents. His research interests include tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and biodegradable polymers.

PART I. PROTEINS AND POLYSACCHARIDES AS MIMICS OF THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX
Collagen-Based Systems to Mimic the Extracellular Environment
Alginate Gels for Cartilage Regeneration
From 2D to 3D Using Polysaccharide Layer-By-Layer Assembly
Silk Proteins for Regenerative Medicine
Designing Elastin-Like Recombinamers for Regenerative Purposes
Decellularized Tissues for the Regeneration of Soft Tissues
Self-Healing Materials in Tissue Engineering
Resilin-Like Polypeptides for Regenerative Medicine
Heparin-Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

PART II. SUPRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Supramolecular Systems Generated by Peptide-Saccharide Conjugates to Mimic the Extracellular Matrix
Short Peptide Amphiphiles as Tools in the Development of Responsive Drug-Delivery Systems
Out of Equilibrium Supramolecular Systems and Their Relevance for the Biomedical Field
Directed Molecular Self-Assembly for Design of Hierarchical Biomaterials
Supramolecular Systems for Controlled Biomineralization
Supramolecular Systems for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
Design of Prodrug Systems Using the Principles of Supramolecular Chemistry
Self-Assembling Anti-Bacterial Nanostructures
Nanostructured Microfibers for the Regeneration of Anisotropic Tissues

PART III. CELLS ENCAPSULATION SYSTEMS
Biocompatible Single Cell Coatings to Manipulate Cellular Behavior
Hyaluronan-Based Hydrogels as Modulators of Cellular Behavior
Designing Cell Carriers for Clinical Application
Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogels to Direct Cell Function
Encapsulation Strategies for Cell Transplantation