Discussion Group: Latest Developments and Applications of Medical and Biopolymers in Healthcare
Use of polymers in medical device and other healthcare applications has been increasing continuously during the last ten years. The increase has been at a much higher rate than any other group of materials, providing many new opportunities for new product developments as well as in pharmaceutical and clinical applications. Polymers are unique with wide range of properties from some being biodegradable to others resisting biodegradation , or from those used in the construction of short and long-term implants or medical devices and drug delivery systems to those used as coatings, adhesives or scaffolding materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. There are many new challenges which require, novel and multi disciplinary approach involving academics, clinicians and healthcare industry. The main objectives of this discussion group are to review the latest developments related to medical and biopolymers and predict their future in new applications. This discussion group will also identify future challenges, review current funding opportunities and identify partners to establish new collaborations.