Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers

16A comprehensive overview of biodegradable polymers, covering everythingfrom synthesis, characterization, and degradation mechanismswhile also introducing useful applications, such as drug delivery systemsand biomaterial-based regenerative therapies. An introductory sectiondeals with such fundamentals as basic chemical reactions duringdegradation, the complexity of biological environments and experimentalmethods for monitoring degradation processes.The result is a reliable reference source for those wanting to learnmore about this important class of polymer materials, as well as scientistsin the fi eld seeking a deeper insight.04PrefacePolyestersBiotechnologically Produced Biodegradable PolyestersPolyanhydridesPoly(ortho esters)Biodegradable Polymers Composed of Naturally Occurring Alpha-Amino AcidsBiodegradable Polyurethanes and Poly(ester aminde)sCarbohydratesBiodegradable Shape-Memory PolymersBiodegradable Elastic Hydrogels for Tissue Expander ApplicationBiodegradable Dendrimers and Dendritic PolymersAnalytical Methods for Monitoring Biodegradation Processes of Environmentally Degradable PolymersModelling and Simulation of Microbial Depolymerization Processes of Xenobiotic PolymersRegenerative Medicine: Reconstruction of Tracheal and Pharyngeal Mucosal Defects in Head and Neck SurgeryBiodegradable Polymers as Scaffolds for Tissue EngieeringDrug Delivery SystemsOxobiodegradable Polymers: Present Status and Future Perspectives