Global Polymeric Biomaterials: Changing the Landscape of Healthcare

Global Polymeric Biomaterials: Changing the Landscape of Healthcare

These biomaterials mimic natural tissues and are biodegradable/bioabsorbable in nature. Some commonly used polymeric biomaterials include polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and their co-polymers.

Applications of Polymeric Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering utilizes Polymeric Biomaterials as scaffolds to facilitate the regeneration and growth of tissues. Scaffolds created using synthetic biodegradable polymers provide a temporary 3D extracellular matrix for cell infiltration, attachment, proliferation and formation of new tissue. Some key applications of biomaterial scaffolds in tissue engineering include:

- Skin grafts and wound healing: PGA and PLA are fabricated into fibrous mesh scaffolds to serve as dermal substitutes for burns and chronic wounds. Their degradation matches new tissue formation.

- Bone regeneration: PLA/PGA and composite PCL scaffolds with hydroxyapatite mimicking bone matrix are effective for bone defects repair and regeneration.

- Cartilage repair: PGA/PLA and PCL scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes are promising for cartilage tissue engineering to treat osteoarthritis and repair cartilage injuries.

- Blood vessel grafts: PGA, PCL and poly(ester urethane)urea are engineered into small diameter tubes for bypass and replacement of damaged blood vessels.

Global Use of Biomaterials in Drug Delivery Vectors

Biodegradable polymeric carriers are extensively utilized for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Some significant accomplishments and ongoing research include:

- Cancer therapy: PLA and PEG coated PLGA nanoparticles loaded with chemotherapeutics allow prolonged drug release and enhance accumulation in tumors via enhanced permeability and retention effect.

- Protein/peptide delivery: PLA and PEGylated PLA micro and nano carriers protect proteins and peptides from enzymatic degradation enhancing their half-life.

- Gene delivery: Cationic polymers like chitosan, polyethylenimine facilitate compaction and delivery of genes/siRNA into cells for gene therapy applications.

- Vaccine delivery: PLA and PLGA microparticles and nanoparticles entraping antigens show potential as vaccine delivery systems stimulating strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.

Global Polymeric Biomaterials Industry Insights

The global polymeric biomaterials industry size was estimated at $18 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach $40 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11%. Asia Pacific region currently dominates the market attributed to rising healthcare expenditure, increasing medical tourism and presence of key players in countries like China, India, Japan and South Korea.

North America is the second largest market driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and facilities, high adoption of latest technologies and presence of major biomaterial companies. Europe holds a significant share owing to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases coupled with rising number of cosmetic surgeries like breast reconstruction using biomaterial implants.

Factors fueling the market growth include rising geriatric population prone to various diseases, growing demand for plastic and reconstructive surgeries, increasing R&D investments and new product launches. However, high costs associated with biomaterials and stringent regulatory approval process hampers the market growth.

polymeric biomaterials have revolutionized healthcare by providing versatile biodegradable platforms for various tissue engineering, drug delivery and implant applications. The global market is growing exponentially driven by aging population, increasing medical needs and advancements in biomaterial engineering. Continuous innovations are further expanding their applications from simple drug carriers and tissue scaffolds to developing complex 3D printed organs. With growing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches, biomaterials will remain integral in future healthcare solutions mitigating disease burden worldwide.

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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)