Chapter 1 - Polymer fibers in biomedical engineering

Abstract

Polymer fibers are intensively used in biomedical engineering because of similarity with the extracellular matrix and due to their versatility. The methods of obtaining polymer fibers are diverse. Natural polymers, such as collagen, silk, and cellulose, can be used to fabricate a fiber network in which cells can attach and proliferate. Polymeric synthetic are used for reinforcement and to offer mechanical support. Electro-spinning is the main method to obtain a fibrous biomaterial. Phase separation, self-assembly, or templating is also used to fabricate polymeric material. The applications in biomedical engineering are essentially for human health. Burns, fractures, cartilage, and muscle disease are problems that medicine is still trying to solve and that can be treated faster with biomaterials. The versatility of these medical devices led to the development of systems that can facilitate the remodulation of injured tissue.