Polymeric Biomaterials

Biomaterials are an indispensable element in improving human health and quality of life. Applications of biomaterials include diagnostics (gene arrays and biosensors), medical supplies (blood bags and surgical tools), therapeutic treatments (medical implants and devices), and emerging regenerative medicine (tissue-engineered skin and cartilage). Polymers, being organic, offer a versatility that is unmatched by metals and ceramics. The wide spectrum of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties provided by polymers has fueled the extensive research, development, and applications of polymeric biomaterials. The significance of polymers as biomaterials is reflected in the market size of medical polymers, estimated to be approximately $1 billion. Many of these polymers were initially developed as plastics, elastomers, and fibers for nonmedical industrial applications, but were later developed as biomedical-specific materials. With rapid growth in modern biology and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts, polymeric biomaterials are being fashioned into bioactive and biomimetic materials, with excellent biocompatibility.