Journal of Biomaterials Applications 

About: Journal of Biomaterials Applications is an academic journal published by SAGE Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Chemistry. It has an ISSN identifier of 0885-3282. Over the lifetime, 1957 publications have been published receiving 41691 citations.

Biomedical Applications of Polyurethanes: A Review of Past Promises, Present Realities, and a Vibrant Future:

Abstract: Polyurethanes, having extensive structure/property diversity, are one of the most bio- and blood-compatible materials known today. These materials played a major role in the development of many medical devices ranging from catheters to total artificial heart. Properties such as durability, elasticity, elastomer-like character, fatigue resistance, compliance, and acceptance or tolerance in the body during the healing, became often associated with polyurethanes. Furthermore, propensity for bulk and surface modification via hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance or by attachments of biologically active species such as anticoagulants or biorecognizable groups are possible via chemical groups typical for polyurethane structure. These modifications are designed to mediate and enhance the acceptance and healing of the device or implant. Many innovative processing technologies are used to fabricate functional devices, feeling and often behaving like natural tissue. The hydrolytically unstable polyester polyurethanes were replaced by more resistant but oxidation-sensitive polyether polyols based polyurethanes and their clones containing silicone and other modifying polymeric intermediates. Chronic in vivo instability, however, observed on prolonged implantation, became a major roadblock for many applications. Presently, utilization of more oxidation resistant polycarbonate polyols as soft segments, in combination with antioxidants such as Vitamin E, offer materials which can endure in the body for several years. The applications cover cardiovascular devices, artificial organs, tissue replacement and augmentation, performance enhancing coatings and many others. In situ polymerized, cross-linked systems could extend this biodurability even further. The future will expand this field by revisiting chemically-controlled biodegradation, in combination with a mini-version of RIM technology and minimally invasive surgical procedures, to form, in vivo, a scaffold, by delivery of reacting materials to the specific site in the body and polymerizing the mass in situ. This scaffold will provide anchor for tissue regeneration via cell attachment, proliferation, control of inflammation, and healing.

Fibrin Sealant Adhesive Systems: A Review of Their Chemistry, Material Properties and Clinical Applications:

Abstract: Fibrin sealants (FS) are the most successful tissue adhesives to date. They have many advantages over adhesive technologies such as cyanoacrylates and marine adhesives in terms of biocompatibility, biodegradation and hemostasis. There are several commercial products in Europe but none in the United States due to the current regulatory stance against pooled plasma blood products. Blood banks and interested investigators have implemented single- and patient autologous-donor production methods with some success. This article will review the history of FS research and development and describe the chemistry of fibrin(ogen) and the production of commercial and research products. Fibrin sealant and purified fibrin characterization is compared and contrasted. The material and adhesive properties are described, and a survey of the clinical applications in which FS has been used is included as well.

The Mechanical Behavior of Vascular Grafts: A Review

Abstract: The development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) near the anastomosis of a vascular graft to artery is directly related to changes in the wall shear rate distribution. Mismatch in compliance and diameter at the end-to-end anastomosis of a compliant artery and rigid graft cause shear rate disturbances that may induce intimal hyperplasia and ultimately graft failure. The principal strategy being developed to prevent IH is based on the design and fabrication of compliant synthetic or innovative tissue-engineered grafts with viscoelastic properties that mirror those of the human artery. The goal of this review is to discuss how mechanical properties including compliance mismatch, diameter mismatch, Young's modulus and impedance phase angle affect graft failure due to intimal hyperplasia.

Review paper: surface modification for bioimplants: the role of laser surface engineering.

Abstract: Often hard implants undergo detachment from the host tissue due to inadequate biocompatibility and poor osteointegration. Changing surface chemistry and physical topography of the surface influences biocompatibility. At present, the understanding of biocompatibility of both virgin and modified surfaces of bioimplant materials is limited and a great deal of research is being dedicated to this aspect. In view of this, the current review casts new light on research related to the surface modification of biomaterials, especially materials for prosthetic applications. A brief overview of the major surface modification techniques has been presented, followed by an in-depth discussion on laser surface modifications that have been explored so far along with those that hold tremendous potential for bioimplant applications.

Polyurethane Elastomer Biostability

Abstract: Polyurethanes have unique mechanical and biologic properties that make them ideal for many implantable devices. They are subject to some in vivo degradation mechanisms, however. Polyester polyurethanes are subject to hydrolytic degradation and are no longer used in long-term implanted devices. Polyether polyurethanes, while hydrolytically stable, are subject to oxidative degradation in several forms, including environmental stress cracking and metal ion oxidation. Mineralization is also known to occur. A new polycarbonate polyurethane has superior biostability in early in vivo qualification tests compared to the polyether polyurethanes, including no evidence of hydrolysis, ESC or MIO.