Layer-by-Layer Films for Biomedical Applications

The layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition technique is a versatile approach for preparing nanoscale multimaterial films: the fabrication of multicomposite films by the LbL procedure allows the combination of literally hundreds of different materials with nanometer thickness in a single device to obtain novel or superior performance. In the last 15 years the LbL technique has seen considerable developments and has now reached a point where it is beginning to find applications in bioengineering and biomedical engineering.
The book gives a thorough overview of applications of the LbL technique in the context of bioengineering and biomedical engineering where the last years have witnessed tremendous progress. The first part familiarizes the reader with the specifics of cell-film interactions that need to be taken into account for successful application of the LbL method in biological environments. The second part focuses on LbL-derived small drug delivery systems and antibacterial agents, and the third part covers nano- and microcapsules as drug carriers and biosensors. The fourth and last part focuses on larger-scale biomedical applications of the LbL method such as engineered tissues and implant coatings.

Foreword
Preface

PART I. CONTROL OF CELL/FILM INTERACTIONS
Controlling Cell Adhesion Using pH-Modified Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films
The Interplay of Surface and Bulk Properties of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers in Determining Cell Adhesion
Photocrosslinked Polyelectrolyte Films of Controlled Stiffness to Direct Cell Behavior
Nanofilm Biomaterials: Dual Control of Mechanical and Bioactive Properties
Bioactive and Spatially Organized LbL Films
Controlling Stem Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Differentiation with Layer-by-Layer Films

PART II. DELIVERY OF SMALL DRUGS, DNA and siRNA
Engineering Layer-by-Layer Thin Films for Multiscale and Multidrug Delivery Applications
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Coatings for the Release and Transfer of Plasmid DNA
LbL-Based Gene Delivery: Challenges and Promises
Subcopartmentalized Surface-Adhering Polymer Thin Films Toward Drug Delivery Applications

PART III. NANO- AND MICROCAPSULES AS DRUG CARRIERS
Multilayer Capsules for In vivo Biomedical Applications
Light-Addressable Microcapsules
Nanoparticle Functionalized Surfaces
Layer-by-Layer Microcapsules Based on Functional Polysaccharides
Nanoengineered Polymer Capsules: Moving into the Biological Realm
Biocompatible and Biogenic Microcapsules
Three-Dimensional Multilayered Devices for Biomedical Applications

PART IV. ENGINEERED TISSUES AND COATINGS OF IMPLANTS
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Film - A Smart Polymer for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers as Robust Coating for Cardiovascular Biomaterials
LbL Nanofilms Through Biological Recognition for 3D Tissue Engineering
Matrix-Bound Presentation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 by Multilayer Films: Fundamental Studies and Applications to Orthopedics
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Applications in Hepatic Tissue Engineering
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films for the Regulation of Stem Cells in Orthopedic Field
Axonal Regeneration and Myelination: Applicability of the Layer-by-Layer Technology

Index