Biodegradable Polymer Matrices

This mechanism usually includes enzymatic reactions or hydrolysis of the polymer backbone chain or some functional groups (e.g., -ester) [64]. In a more detailed review in 2007, Nair and Laurencin included [64] poly(trimethylene carbonate) in 

Approximate degradation time (months) Degradation products Biocompatibility and biodegradation (References) 

6-12 Glycolic acid Many studies have shown that polyglycolides, polylactides, and their copolymers to have 

12 16 D.L-Lactic acid degradation products. Biodegradation of these polymers takes place by random hydrolysis 

L-Lactic acid and glycolic acid resulting in decrease in molecular weight followed first, by a reduction in mechanical properties and mass loss. Natural pathways 

The selection of an appropriate polymer matrix for nanocomposites is especially crucial in terms of the design and development of medical implants and products. Biodegradable polymer matrices can be either of natural or synthetic origin. As shown in Fig. 21.24. Natural, biobased polymers can be dived into three groups directty produced by genetically modified organisms, synthesized from biobased monomers or directly from biomass. Polymers synthesized from biobased monomers are often regarded as synthetic [36,39,40]. 

Despite the origin, the ideal biodegradable matrix for medical applications should definitely meet certain criteria  

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Kim, B.S., Putman, A.J., Kulik, T.J., and Mooney, D.J., 1998b. Optimizing seeding and culture methods to engineer smooth muscle tissue on biodegradable polymer matrices. Biotechnol. Bioeng., 57 ... 

Kishida, A., Yoshioka, S., Takeda, Y. and Uchiyama, M. (1989) Formulation-assisted biodegradable polymer matrices. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 37, 1954-1956. 

Ray, S.S. Thermal stability and flammability of environmentally friendly polymer nanocomposites using biodegradable polymer matrices and clay/carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcements. Environmentally Friendly Polymer Nanocomposites, pp. 295-327. Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge (2013)... 

ATRP) in order to increase their compatibility with PVDF [20]. Ti02 NPs were recently also proposed as attractive fillers for biodegradable polymer matrices such as PCL to enhance bioactivity of the fibrous composite [21]. 

Kramschuster, A. Turng, L. S. 2010. An injection molding process for manufacturing highly porous and interconnected biodegradable polymer matrices for use as tissue engineering scaffolds. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials, 92B, 366-376. 

In their 2006 review, Boccaccini et al. [78] elaborated on the study of combinations of many biodegradable polymer matrices reinforced with inorganic ceramics, bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics, and calcium phosphates as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. 

A. Kishida, S. Yoshioka, Y. Takeda and M. Uchiyama, "Formulation-assisted biodegradable polymer matrices", Chem. Pharm. Bull., 37,1954-1956,1989. 

The chapter covers a review of miscellaneous nanocomposites based on biodegradable pol5mier matrices and nanofillers. The first two parts discuss components of composites, renewable bionanofillers of natural origin, and biodegradable polymer matrices whereas the last part covers nanocellulose-based composites, also in terms of their potential use in high-tech applications in medicine as these are regarded to be the wave of the future. 

PHBV. Strong fiber-matrix attachment and good dispersion of filler in the host matrix were observed in all three composites. However, at higher filler concentrations, selfassociation of fibers severely deteriorated membrane properties. Figure 6.6 shows the different morphologies of PHBV composites with different cellulose contents. This study demonstrated that cellulose fibers could be used to enhance barrier properties of certain biopolymers, as permeability in composite films was significantly less than that in neat polymers. Biodegradable polymer matrices combined with purified... 

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