Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering in Urology

Patients with urological disorders should greatly benefit from the recent improvements to the biomaterials used in devices and the prospect of effective regenerative medicine. This book provides a comprehensive review of biomaterials and tissue engineering in urology. The first part of the book explores the fundamentals of biomaterials and urology. Chapters in part two discuss design of devices, catheters and stents. The final group of chapters provide a thorough analyses of urological tissue engineering and regeneration in areas such as the bladder, kidney and reproductive organs. This book will be a valuable resource to all those concerned with urological research. Key Features: Provides a comprehensive review of biomaterials and tissue engineering in urology. Explores the fundamentals of urology, focusing on biofilms and encrustation and formation. Discusses recent advances in biomaterials and the design of urological devices, catheters and stents. Presents a thorough anaylsis of urological tissue engineering, covering the bladder, kidney and reproductive organs. An invaluable reference for researchers and medical practitioners concerned with urology. Contents: Part 1 Fundamentals: Introduction to biofilms in urology: In vivo models for ureteral stents; Models for the assessment of biofilm and encrustation formation on urological materials. Part 2 Materials and design of urological devices: Ureteral stents: design and materials; Metal stents in the upper urinary tract; Coated ureteral stents; Proteus mirabilis biofilm formation and catheter design; Self-lubricating catheter materials; Temporary urethral stents; Penile implants. Part 3 Urological tissue engineering: Artificial biomaterials for urological tissue engineering; Natural biomaterials for urological tissue engineering; Nanotechnology and urological tissue engineering; Assessing the performance of tissue-engineered urological implants; Regenerative pharmacology and bladder regeneration; Autologous cell sources for urological applications; Embryonic stem cells, nuclear transfer, and parthenogenesis-derived stem cells for urological reconstruction; Amniotic fluid and placental stem cells as a source for urological regenerative medicine; The use of adipose progenitor cells in urology; Regenerative medicine of the urinary sphincter via an endoscopic approach; Regenerative medicine of the urinary sphincter via direct injection; Regenerative medicine for the urethra; Penile reconstruction; Tissue engineering in reproductive medicine; Regenerative medicine of the kidney; Stem cells and kidney regeneration; Techniques for engineering bladder tissue.