8 - Biotechnology and biomaterials for hygienic and health care textiles

Abstract

This chapter is to outline and review the latest developments and advance in medical textiles and biopolymers for wound management providing the overview with generalized scope of biotechnology about novelties in medical products and properties. The past decade has seen considerable efforts in the use of polymer nanofibres for biomedical and biotechnological applications. These include tissue engineering, controlled drug release, wound dressings, medical implants, dental composites, molecular filtration, biosensors and preservation of bioactive agents. An overview of these applications has been discussed. Most of these applications are still being tested in laboratories worldwide with some at the infancy stage. Significant advancements are necessary before clinical usage or commercialization can be realized. More attention should be given to natural biopolymers (e.g., chitin, alginate, etc.) so that better biological compatibility and performance can be realized. In order to advance the biotechnological and especially biomedical applications of polymer nanofibres from perspective to commercialized stages, collaborative interdisciplinary researches involving surgeons, material scientists, biologists, physiologists, clinicians, and engineers are required. It is believed that continual investments from academia, government, and industry into this field will not only shorten the distance between laboratory and practical utilization stages in any of the above reviewed areas but also open up other new range of opportunities for polymer nanofibres in biomedical and biotechnological applications.