title: Polymer therapeutics in surgery: the next frontier.
abstract: Polymer therapeutics is a successful branch of nanomedicine, which is now established in several facets of everyday practice. However, to our knowledge, no literature regarding the application of the underpinning principles, general safety, and potential of this versatile class to the perioperative patient has been published. This study provides an overview of polymer therapeutics applied to clinical surgery, including the evolution of this demand-oriented scientific field, cutting-edge concepts, its implications, and limitations, illustrated by products already in clinical use and promising ones in development. In particular, the effect of design of polymer therapeutics on biophysical and biochemical properties, the potential for targeted delivery, smart release, and safety are addressed. Emphasis is made on principles, giving examples in salient areas of demand in current surgical practice. Exposure of the practising surgeon to this versatile class is crucial to evaluate and maximise the benefits that this established field presents and to attract a new generation of clinician-scientists with the necessary knowledge mix to drive highly successful innovation.
authors: Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Unit, Institute for Life Science Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Singleton Park Campus SwanseaSA2 8PP UK; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery Moriston Hospital Swansea Swansea SA6 6NL UK; Institute for Life Science and Centre for NanoHealth Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Singleton Park Campus Swansea SA2 8PP UK.
authors: Ernest A
authors: EA
authors: Azzopardi
authors: Institute for Life Science and Centre for NanoHealth Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Singleton Park Campus Swansea SA2 8PP UK.
authors: R Steven
authors: 0000-0002-2562-3461
authors: RS
authors: Conlan
authors: Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Unit, Institute for Life Science Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Singleton Park Campus SwanseaSA2 8PP UK; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery Moriston Hospital Swansea Swansea SA6 6NL UK; Institute for Life Science and Centre for NanoHealth Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Singleton Park Campus Swansea SA2 8PP UK.
authors: Iain S
authors: IS
authors: Whitaker
keywords: nanomedicine; nanotechnology; polymer