Bioresorbable Polymers Can Replace Damaged Tissues and Aid in Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Osteoarthritis, and Other Arthritic Conditions
With
the advancement of technology and new discoveries in biotechnology, the world
is gradually seeing the birth of new medical technologies. Bioresorbable polymer
material is one such breakthrough, which promises to revolutionize the way we
use and take care of our bodies. These polymers, also known as biodegradable
polymers, are polymer materials, which can be safely absorbed by the body.
Natural biodegradable polymers include chitosan, collagen, chitin, alginate,
and gelatin.
Collagen
is a naturally occurring substance in the body that serves as a structural
tissue. As we age, our body produces less collagen leading to the deterioration
of our joints. Biodegradable chitosan derivatives have the ability to
substitute collagen in body tissues thus replacing joints damaged by age or
disease. Bioresorbable
polymers can replace damaged tissues so as to make it functional again. Biodegradable
chitosan derivatives are majorly used in alternative medical treatments for the
treatment of arthritic conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome and osteoarthritis.
The
chitosan derivative polymer is a key ingredient in the topical gel used in
treating various skin conditions including acne, burns, eczema, rosacea and
varicose veins. Further development of this material can also aid in the study
of other important natural components like Vitamin C, collagen and other
protein molecules. The chitosan-derivatives present in bioresorbable polymers
offer good flexibility, similar to silicone but with the benefit of being able
to be applied to the skin's surface with ease. These materials are also free
from the side effects commonly associated with silicone gel implants such as
swelling, itching and redness. Thus, these can serve as the most cost effective
and safest option in the field of tissue engineering.
Since
the chitosan derivatives used in biodegradation polymeric materials are in the
form of a gel, they can easily enter the bloodstream where they can help
regenerate cartilage and promote the formation of new tissue. This will help
improve cartilage mechanics and reduce pain caused by damaged joints. In
addition to serving as scaffolding for the body to grow new tissues, the
chitosan-derivatives can be added into the body of patients undergoing medical
treatments to increase their chances of being absorbed and used by the body.
With the use of these biodegradable materials, researchers can now study the
regenerative properties of collagen and other biological material. They can
even make a few improvements in existing tissue through this procedure.
Bioresorbable
polymers also have potential as viable alternatives to traditional
petroleum-based plastics. In European countries, such as the U.K. and Germany,
there has been an increase in interest in such materials in various sector
including healthcare, packaging, and agriculture. This can be attributed to
increasing concerns for environmental and waste management issues and adverse
effects of fossil fuels on the environment. Such scenario has led to
significant development in degradable polymers. For instance, in October 2020, LG
Chem developed a new biodegradable material that can be used for plastic bags,
air cap buffers, disposable cups and foaming products because of improved
flexibility and transparency.
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