Hybrid polymeric systems: design, biomedical applications, opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

This chapter presents general aspects of the design of hybrid polymeric systems with a view to the challenges and opportunities offered by biomedical applications. It begins by explaining the main biomedical applications and highlighting the importance of controlling physicochemical and biological properties to optimize performance. It then recapitulates the performance of polymers alone and hybrid systems by comparing them in the same applications to understand the contributions of hybrid systems. At the end of the chapter, the main challenges and opportunities of hybrid polymeric systems are listed and described, including rigorous premarket evaluations that ensure fewer adverse events and complications regarding biocompatibility. A discussion of innovation strategies to improve the biocompatibility, safety, and performance of biomedical products or devices to provide the desired functionality depending on the biomedical application at hand is included.