Medical Devices and Biomaterials for the Developing World - Case Studies in Ghana and Nicaragua

This book focuses on the adoption of medical technology in the developing world, and the role that can be played by new biomaterials. These authors urge that advanced technology be aligned with the needs of developing and emerging markets, and an alternative definition of technology be embraced. This "new technology" considers natural sources of materials and tools for treatment and is not restricted to the usual traditional computerized or electronic technology.
This book explores the difficulties that accompany successful transfer of technologies between disparate settings. The book then leaves the world of traditional technology and focuses on biomaterials, which represent an enormous opportunity for developing societies to become active participants in the development of new technologies. Biomaterials can be used in the treatment of disease throughout the developing world and beyond. Biomaterials encompass a range of naturally derived substances; of particular interest here are naturally derived and synthetically manufactured materials with potential applications in different body systems. Because many of these materials can be grown, the agricultural output of developing nations is an obvious potential source of these biomaterials. The book considers the cases of Ghana and Nicaragua as examples of the broader situation in West Africa and Central/South America. These two regions are uniquely positioned with regard to both health care and technological capabilities, and both stand to grow significantly in the coming years. While the agricultural sectors of the two nations are quite different, both are major producers of corn and other materials that should be investigated further. Of course, the difficulty in using a foodstuff for medical purposes is fully explored.

Sommario

Introduction.- Case study of Ghana.- Case study of Nicaragua.- Corn and soy-derived materials: Properties and potential clinical applications.- Feasibility study of corn- and soy-derived materials.- Discussion, recommendations, and conclusion.

Info autore

Sujata K. Bhatia is a physician-scientist at DuPont Applied BioSciences, and an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware. She earned three bachelor's degrees, in biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering, and a master's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Delaware. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she earned her MD and PhD in bioengineering. She currently contributes to medical biomaterials projects, as well as health and nutrition programs at DuPont. She teaches biochemical engineering and biomedical engineering courses at the University of Delaware.

Riassunto

This book focuses on the adoption of medical technology in the developing world, and the role that can be played by new biomaterials. These authors urge that advanced technology be aligned with the needs of developing and emerging markets, and an alternative definition of technology  be embraced. This “new technology” considers natural sources of materials and tools for treatment and is not restricted to the usual traditional computerized or electronic technology.
This book explores the difficulties that accompany successful transfer of technologies between disparate settings. The book then leaves the world of traditional technology and focuses on biomaterials, which represent an enormous opportunity for developing societies to become active participants in the development of new technologies. Biomaterials can be  used in the treatment of disease throughout the developing world and beyond. Biomaterials encompass a range of naturally derived substances; of particular interest here are naturally derived and synthetically manufactured materials with potential applications in different body systems. Because many of these materials can be grown, the agricultural output of developing nations is an obvious potential source of these biomaterials. The book considers the cases of Ghana and Nicaragua as examples of the broader situation in West Africa and Central/South America. These two regions are uniquely positioned with regard to both health care and technological capabilities, and both stand to grow significantly in the coming years. While the agricultural sectors of the two nations are quite different, both are major producers of corn and other materials that should be investigated further. Of course, the difficulty in using a foodstuff for medical purposes is fully explored.

Dettagli sul prodotto

• Autori: Sujata K Bhatia, Sujata K. Bhatia, Olumurejiwa Fatunde, Olumurejiwa A Fatunde, Olumurejiwa A. Fatunde
• Editore: Springer, Berlin
• Lingue: Inglese
• Formato: Tascabile
• Pubblicazione: 01.08.2012
• EAN: 9781461447580
• ISBN: 978-1-4614-4758-0
• Pagine: 112
• Illustrazioni: XVIII, 112 p. 41 illus., 11 illus. in color.
• Serie: SpringerBriefs in Public Health; SpringerBriefs in Economics; SpringerBriefs in Public Health
• Categoria: Scienze naturali, medicina, informatica, tecnica > Tecnica > Tecnica chimica