Learning from Nature How to Design New Implantable Biomaterialsis: From Biomineralization Fundamentals to Biomimetic Materials and Processing Routes [electronic resource] : Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, held in Alvor, Algarve, Portugal, 13-24 October 2003 / edited by R. L. Reis, S. Weiner.

Structure and Mechanical Functions in Biological Materials -- Structure-Mechanical Function Relations in Bones and Teeth -- Hierarchical Structure and Mechanical Adaptation of Biological Materials -- Bioceramics, Bioactive Materials and Surface Analysis -- Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials: An Overview -- Nanostructural Control of Implantable Xerogels for the Controlled Release of Biomolecules -- Surface Analysis of Biomaterials and Biomineralization -- Biomimetics and Biomimetic Coatings -- Biomimetics and Bioceramics -- New Biomimetic Coating Technologies and Incorporation of Bioactive Agents and Proteins -- Learning from Nature How to Design Biomimetic Calcium-Phosphate Coatings -- Learning from Marine Creatures How to Design Micro-Lenses -- Tissue Engineering of Mineralized Tissues -- Inkjet Printing for Biomimetic and Biomedical Materials -- Stem Cells and Bioactive Materials -- Embryonic Stem Cells for the Engineering and Regeneration of Mineralized Tissues -- Tissue Engineering of Mineralized Tissues: The Essential Elements.

The biomineralization and biomaterials research communities have not been working side by side in the past few years. To our knowledge, no book has addressed before this topic in such an integrated and "looking forward" perspective. There is, therefore, a necessity for a book that would address, in an integrated way, topics that go from understanding biomineralization processes of different mineralized tissues (that means: not only bone, tooth, etc.) to the use of that science to engineer new biomimetic processes and materials. In fact, only an understanding of the relevant fundamentals and a simultaneous application oriented view will lead to the design of new biomimetic materials and processing routes (including production of biomimetic coatings). There is almost no training content on most of the books that are aimed at presenting new breakthroughs on biomineralization science. So, this book will constitute a complimentary tool as it seemed to be the best forum to educate and brainstorming on this area of such strategic importance.