Synthesis Strategies for Biomedical Grade Polymers

Abstract

Developing materials for biomedical applications necessitates choosing the appropriate methods of synthesis and post synthesis techniques to overcome the clinical drawbacks associated with several conventional materials. Medical grade polymers are often employed for the applications in vivo along with certain medical devices that remain in contact with the body. However, several factors affect the biocompatibility of the polymers along with their degradation inside the body. Tailoring the routes of polymerization may serve as an effective strategy to overcome the current scenario. In this regard, the current chapter highlights the methods of polymerization for synthesizing various polymers and the effect of reaction route on the properties of the polymers. Additionally, the biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers and their uses in medical applications have been elaborated along with the effect of the various factors on the properties of the polymers. Further, the discussion has been narrowed down to depict some of the commercially available polymers in medical applications with their extraordinary characteristics.