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As a result of their unique physical properties, biological membrane mimetics such as biopolymers are used in a broad range of scientific and technological applications. This comprehensive book covers new applications of biopolymers in the research and development of industrial scale nutraceutical and functional food grade products. All the major food biopolymers are included, from plant, animal and marine sources. Coverage also includes biopolymer-based drug delivery mechanisms intended for biological applications such as bio-detection of pathogens, fluorescent biological labels, and drug and gene delivery. This is the first interdisciplinary book to address this area specifically and is essential reading for those who produce the functional biopolymer materials as well as those who seek to incorporate them into appropriate nutraceutical, food and drug delivery products.

This book covers the functionalisation of silicone surfaces with polysaccharides to improve their antimicrobial and antifouling properties, thus reducing the implant-related infections. The authors describe how silicone surfaces were chosen because silicone exhibits excellent biocompatible properties and is already being used for medical implants such as catheters, breast implants, prosthetics etc. The potential of polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and other natural substances such as natural surfactants as coatings for silicones are also discussed, their effects are evaluated. With the aging of the population, the number of medical implants is growing and with it the number of infections associated with the use of implants.