Essential Biomaterials Science

This groundbreaking single-authored textbook equips students with everything they need to know to truly understand the hugely topical field of biomaterials science, including essential background on the clinical necessity of biomaterials, relevant concepts in biology and materials science, comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of all existing clinical and experimental biomaterials, and the fundamental principles of biocompatibility. It features extensive case studies interweaved with theory, from a wide range of clinical disciplines, equipping students with a practical understanding of the phenomena and mechanisms of biomaterials performance; a whole chapter dedicated to the biomaterials industry itself, including guidance on regulations, standards and guidelines, litigation, and ethical issues to prepare students for industry; informative glossaries of key terms, engaging end-of-chapter exercises and up-to-date lists of recommended reading. Drawing on the author's forty years' experience in biomaterials, this is an indispensable resource for students studying these lifesaving technological advances.

1. The clinical necessity of biomaterials in the twenty-first century; 2. Essential materials science; 3. Biocompatibility pathways; 4. Implantable medical devices and artificial organs; 5. Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering; 6. Drug and gene delivery; 7. Imaging and diagnostic systems; 8. Contemporary and future biomaterials; 9. Infrastructure of the biomaterials industry.

David Williams is a Professor at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, North Carolina, with over forty years' experience in biomaterials science. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Biomaterials, President of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, TERMIS, and a former Director of the UK Centre for Tissue Engineering, where he is now an Emeritus Professor. In addition to these responsibilities he is a Visiting Professor of the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, and has travelled extensively to promote excellence in scientific research and writing. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and has received numerous awards, including the 2012 Acta Biomaterialia Gold Medal.