Natural Biopolymeric Composites for Biomedical Research

This book presents a comprehensive exploration of the potential applications of natural biopolymeric composites in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical applications, it presents cutting-edge insights into the diverse biomedical applications of biopolymer-based composites. Natural biopolymeric composites are an important class of materials in biomedical sciences, offering biodegradability, biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties. These composites combine natural biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and organic/inorganic materials, resulting in synergistic materials with enhanced functionalities. They are promising alternatives to synthetic polymers for healthcare and pharmaceutical applications. This book is structured into two sections. Part One explores state-of-the-art advancements in the processing and development of natural biopolymeric composites, including alginate, chitin, chitosan, guar gum, cellulose, collagen, and starch, with an emphasis on their applications in tissue engineering. Part Two delves into the applications of natural biopolymeric composites in drug delivery, focusing on their role in controlled and targeted drug release systems. Throughout the chapters, there are discussions on various strategies for biopolymer composite fabrication, aiming to establish a library of compatible materials for composite preparation. With contributions from leading researchers worldwide, this book provides in-depth discussions on the latest advancements, emerging trends, and future perspectives in the field. It serves as an invaluable resource for biomaterial scientists, tissue engineers, pharmaceutical researchers, and clinicians seeking innovative solutions for regenerative medicine and therapeutic delivery systems. Additionally, this book will be highly beneficial for undergraduate and postgraduate students specializing in biopolymers, biomaterials, and biomedical engineering.