Novel Bio-nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

This book presents a comprehensive overview of bio-nanocomposites, from the fundamentals to emerging biomedical applications. Bio-nanocomposites have established themselves as a promising class of hybrid materials derived from natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers and organic/inorganic fillers. Different compositions can, therefore, lead to different applications based on the desired performance. This book introduces a variety of biopolymer nanocomposites, from their synthesis to their structure and applications. The fundamentals and systematic advancements in synthesizing bio-nanocomposites and their characterizations have been highlighted. In addition, the biocompatible and bridgeable properties of bio-nanocomposites are investigated in terms of functionalization, dispersion, and surface manipulation. This book also provides insights into the most recent research in bio-nanocomposites as applied to biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, food packaging, agriculture, sensors, and therapies. Finally, the book proposes future prospects and challenges associated with bio-nanocomposites to achieve the desired performance in targeted biomedical applications. Given its scope, this book interests students, academics, and researchers working on the synthesis, biological applications, and pharmaceutical uses of biopolymers and associated nanocomposites.

Dr. Kashma Sharma earned her Ph.D. from Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan (H.P.), in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jalandhar. In September 2014, she joined the material science group at the University of the Free State, South Africa, as a postdoctoral research fellow. In 2017, she was awarded a UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women and conducted her research at the Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. In April 2021, she started her independent academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at DAV College in Chandigarh. Dr. Sharma has authored over 35 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals, 15 book chapters, and edited 3 books. She has over 1400 citations with an h-index of 21 & an i10-index of 29. Her research interests encompass synthesizing, processing, and characterizing bio-based/biodegradable polymers and composites, drug delivery devices, tissue engineering, wastewater treatment, and polymer nanocomposites.

Dr. Santosh K. Tiwari is a specialist in new materials, holding (December 21, 2017) a Ph.D. in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad. Over the course of his academic and research career, he has accumulated experience through significant engagements with renowned research labs worldwide. His extensive professional journey includes over five years at notable research labs, such as HSCL in South Korea, GIFT in Guangxi, China, and as a Scientist NAWA fellow at the University of Warsaw, Poland. Dr. Tiwari's research contributions have culminated in publishing more than 70 SCI articles and two patents. His work has garnered recognition, with over 3100 Google citations and h-index of 27. In addition to his research accomplishments, Dr. Tiwari has edited eight academic books in collaboration with senior professors from the United Kingdom, Poland, and China, published by renowned international publishers. According to the Elsevier database, he is one of the world's top 2% highly cited scientists. Dr. Tiwari holds the position of Associate Professor and is the leader of the "Centre for New Materials and Surface Engineering" at his academic institution. He also contributes as a visiting faculty member at Guangxi University in Nanning, China. His research interests include Nanosizing strategies, New materials, Materials designed for extreme environments, Polymer nanocomposites, and desalination.

Dr. Vijay Kumar is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Technology in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to his field, with over 100 publications in esteemed international journals, 10 peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and 30 book chapters. He has also authored and co-authored 14 edited books with renowned publishers. His research has been cited over 5700 times, with an h-index of 41 and an i10-index of 92. He was selected for the prestigious SERB International Research Experience (SIRE) Fellowship by the Science and Engineering Research Board, DST, GoI. Dr. Kumar is a member of the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) and has been nominated as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science by DST. Dr. Kumar's current research focuses on synthesizing, processing, and characterizing functional materials, including solid-state luminescent materials, soft and ceramic materials, biopolymers, drug delivery devices, and wastewater treatment.

Dr. Susheel Kalia is an associate professor and head of the Department of Chemistry at Army Cadet College Wing of Indian Military Academy Dehradun, India. He was a visiting researcher at the Institute of Advanced Studies of the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy, for the year 2013. Kalia has around 105 research articles in international journals along with 25 books, 11 book chapters, several conference contributions (including numerous invited contributions), and more than 12500 citations in his academic career. His research interests include bio- and nanocomposites, conducting polymers, nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and hydrogels.