ABSTRACT
This entry covers the applications of polymeric membranes (natural and synthetic) in biomedical devices. In order to clarify the concepts of biocompatibility and biodegradability, part of the entry is devoted to these two topics. Moreover, some of the most important families of the biodegradable polymers are also introduced. Specific attention has been devoted to dialyzers, membrane oxygenators, and drug delivery devices. In all of the issues, the concept of device or method, the applied polymers, their advantages and drawbacks, and common modifications and strategies are discussed. In the subject of drug delivery, most of the discussion is dedicated to the transdermal drug delivery and strategies used to enhance the permeation of the drug in this technique.
