Polymers for biomedical applications: chemical modification and biofunctionalization

The term "biomaterial" has been defined as "a material used in a medical device intended to interact with biological systems". To be used as biomaterials, the polymers need to meet certain requirements, namely their biocompatibility, bioacceptability and biodegradability. In this case, we can consider two important groups: biostable polymers and biodegradable polymers. The main polymers used in biomedical devices are the following: polyurethanes, silicones, polyacrylates, and biodegradable polymers. In order to be used as biomaterials, the polymers have to be modified either chemically or physically. In this chapter, we will give examples of modified polymers used as drug delivery systems, hydrogels and bioadhesives. Here some emphasis will be given to surface modification methods of polymeric materials.