Premium
Polymeric biomaterials synthesized by radiation techniques – current studies at IARC, Poland
Author(s) -
Ulanski Piotr,
Janik Ireneusz,
Kadlubowski Slawomir,
Kozicki Marek,
Kujawa Piotr,
Pietrzak Miroslaw,
Stasica Przemyslaw,
Rosiak Janusz M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.249
Subject(s) - materials science , drug delivery , nanotechnology , self healing hydrogels , biomedical engineering , polymer , composite material , medicine , polymer chemistry
For over 15 years the Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry in Lodz, Poland, has been involved in studies on new polymeric biomaterials. Some of the technologies developed employ radiation techniques for the synthesis of crosslinked products (mainly hydrogels), for surface modification and for sterilization. An example of a mature technology of this kind is hydrogel wound dressings, now being produced on a large scale and available on the market in many Central European countries. Another advanced project is a hydrogel system for healing endometrium cancer by precise, local drug delivery. Preliminary clinical tests with over 70 patients have been completed with very good results. Current research projects, besides further development of the above mentioned systems, include: a hydrogel‐based system for local, controlled drug delivery; polymer materials for encapsulation of living cells and for the construction of hybrid artificial organs; a new approach to the synthesis of polymeric material for intervertebral disc implant; temperature‐sensitive membranes and supports for cell cultures; hydrogel phantoms for low‐dose, three‐dimensional radiation dosimetry; degradation‐resistant nanogels and microgels for biomedical purposes (e.g. synovial fluid substitute); hydrogel‐based dietary products and adjustment of the molecular weight of biopolymers by ultrasound and ionizing radiation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.