Biopolymers and Biomaterials

Aneesa Padinjakkara is a Research Fellow at the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. She has presented several papers at conferences focusing on advanced materials and has participated in several workshops and seminars.Aparna Thankappan, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. She has published over a dozen articles in professional journals and has presented at several conferences as well. She has co-authored several book chapters. She received her PhD in photonics from Cochin University of Science and Technology, India. Fernando Gomes Souza, Jr., PhD, is currently Professor at the Institute of Macromolecules Professor Eloisa Mano Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IMA/UFRJ), in the Laboratory and Biopolymers, Sensors / LIPS Technology Center University City, Brazil. He is also Professor of the Civil Engineering Program of COPPE / UFRJ and a Young Scientist of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ-2015). His expertise is mainly focused on the use of renewable resources and nanocomposites in sensors, drug delivery, and environmental recovery. mDr. Souza has coordinated 10 research projects with financial support from government-sponsoring agencies. He has published 88 scientific articles, with several accepted in press now, as well as two chemistry books in Portuguese and three biomaterials book chapters in English. He has presented almost 200 papers at conferences and scientific meetings and has translated several computer programs related to educational chemistry.Sabu Thomas, PhD, is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences and Director of the International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The research activities of Professor Thomas include surfaces and interfaces in multiphase polymer blend and composite systems; phase separation in polymer blends; compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends; thermoplastic elastomers; phase transitions in polymers; nanostructured polymer blends; macro-, micro- and nanocomposites; polymer rheology; recycling; reactive extrusion; processing–morphology–property relationships in multiphase polymer systems; double networking of elastomers; natural fibers and green composites; rubber vulcanization; interpenetrating polymer networks; diffusion and transport; and polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering. He has supervised 68 PhD theses, 40 MPhil theses, and 45 Masters thesis. He has three patents to his credit. He also received the coveted Sukumar Maithy Award for the best polymer researcher in the country for the year 2008. Very recently, Professor Thomas received the MRSI and CRSI medals for his excellent work. With over 600 publications to his credit and over 23683 citations, with an h-index of 75, Dr. Thomas has been ranked fifth in India as one of the most productive scientists.

• Biopolymers in Textile Industry. Importance of Wood Preservation: An Indian Overview. Cashew Nut Shell Liquid-Based Advanced Functional Materials. Synthesis and Characterization of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Matrix Compositions for Composites Applications. Synthetic Approach for Polyurethane from Renewable Material (Cashew Nut Husk Tannin). Recycling of Textile Mill (Cellulosic) Waste into Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) for Textile Printing. Sustainable Noise Control Materials Based on Bamboo/Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Analysis of Factors Affecting the Sound Absorption Coefficients. Morphological and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Bauhinia racemosa/Glass Fiber Polymer Composites. Optimization of Plasma Modification for Low-Temperature Dyeing of Silk Fabric. Partial Replacement of Carbon Black by Rice Hulls and Soy Short Fibers as Fillers in Natural Rubber Composites: Effect on Mechanical Properties. Bio-Resins and Bio-Plastics Synthesized from Agricultural Products for Novel Applications: The Indian Projection. Mechanical Properties of Sandwich Composites Made Using Natural Fibers and Glass Fiber Mat. Fabrication and Characterization of Composite Membrane of Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol and Hydroxyapatite for Tissue Engineering. In-Situ Nanosilver Immobilized CS/OCMC Blend Dressings for Wound Management. Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Polyether Urethane for the Purpose of Controlled Release of Antibiotics. Biodegradation Study of Polyurethane for Therapeutic Applications. Microscopy and Spectroscopy Characterization of Ecofriendly Composites and Nanocomposites. Nanotechnology for Smart and Intelligent Food Packaging

“We live in a world where we are only beginning to realize just how deeply entrenched pollution and environmental problems have become. Against this scenario of ever-increasing and alarming proportions of environmental issues, the field of biopolymers and biomaterials offers the promise and potential of accomplishing a means to tackle these issues without compromising on the very real problem of eroding our fragile ecological and environmental system further. Even with the substantial strides in progress made in this particular niche of research, it is yet still in its infancy. The research material presented in the book Biopolymers and Biomaterials provides useful substantive and informative platform for future research in environmental protection and nursing of our ecosystem. The book covers various topics such as biopolymers in the textile industry, nanotechnology for intelligent food packaging, cashew nut shell liquid-based advanced functional materials, etc., which one may not usually find in other books dealing with biomaterials. Research works like this, in fact, cater to the need of the times.”—Laly A. Pothen, Emeritus Professor, Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara, India