Chapter 2 - Hierarchical Characterization of Biomedical Polymers

Abstract

Polymers are one of the major functional components in a number of biomedical devices for applications ranging from clinical diagnosis, extracorporeal procedures up to in vivo applications such as tissue engineering, biosensors and drug delivery. Owing to the chemical diversity of polymers and their dynamic structure-processing condition-property relationship, in-depth characterization of the material chosen for a specific biomedical application is indispensable. This chapter is a compendium of facts, challenges and opportunities in the characterization of biomedical polymers. As a guideline to the beginner, a general framework has been introduced to enable hierarchical characterization of biomedical polymers. Thermal, mechanical, optical and electrical characterization is discussed under bulk characterization techniques. Surface characterization has been discussed in terms of microscopic, wettability and spectroscopic studies. The discussion unfolds several aspects of bulk and surface characterization highlighting critical challenges in sample handling, sterilization procedure and extrapolation of in vitro results to in vivo behaviour. After discussing application-specific aspects, future directions in surmounting key challenges in characterizing biomedical polymers are indicated.