Comprehensive resource presenting a thorough overview of the biomedical applications of hydrogels

This book provides an overview of the development and applications of the clinically relevant hydrogels that are used particularly in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, it goes through the material from chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, nanotechnology, and bioengineering points of view. Sample topics covered by the three well-qualified editors include:

• The design, functions, and developments of hydrogels
• Proteins and polysaccharides that mimic extracellular matrix
• Generation and applications of supramolecular hydrogels
• Design and functions of cell encapsulation systems

Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications is a useful all-in-one reference work for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and bioengineers which provides a comprehensive, contemporary understanding of hydrogels and their applications targeting a wide variety of pathologies.

Ricardo A. Pires has a background in materials engineering. Currently, he is an Assistant Researcher at 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group at the University of Minho, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal, and the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Minho. He is also a member of the Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory ICVS/3B's. His research interests include supramolecular hydrogels, 3D disease models, pathological peptide/protein aggregation, and bionanomaterials.

Iva Pashkuleva has a background in chemistry. Currently, she is a Principal Researcher at 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group at University of Minho, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal, and the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at University of Minho. She is also a member of the Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory ICVS/3B's. Her research interests include glycan supramolecular systems, self-assembly, and cell-surface interactions.

Rui L. Reis is a world recognized expert in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM). He is the Director of 3B's (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics) Research Group and Full Professor of Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells at the University of Minho, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. He is the CEO of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Director of the Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory ICVS/3B's. He is well known for his pioneer works on the use of natural polymers for TERM.