From Editor's Desk

Polymers have a long history as biomaterials. Now the largest segment of the biomaterials market, polymers' success in medical applications is a result of their relatively low cost and their functionality.

This issue is focused on highlighting the immense potential of Polymeric Biomaterials, introducing "Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology" and its "Biomedical Technology Wing" and also an extremely important international event, "Indo - Australian Conference On Biomaterials, Implants, Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine".

Some of the recent developments in the field of Polymeric Biomaterials discussed in this issue include Silicone Polymers , Electroactive Polymers , Poly Carbonate Film Withstanding Gamma and E-Beam Radiation , Plastics for Optical Implantations, Resins Engineered to Withstand Impact and Sterilization, Biocompatible Polymers , Biocompatible Coatings, Implantable Polymer etc.

Mr. D.L. Pandya

Editor

Headed by the Director, Prof. K. Mohandas, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram and its Biomedical Technology Wing headed by Dr. G. S. Bhuvaneshwar has played a pioneering role in the establishment of a medical device industry base in India by successfully developing and transferring technologies for diverse medical products such as disposable blood bag system, mechanical heart valve prosthesis, blood oxygenators, ophthalmic sponge, concentric needle electrode, hydroxyapatite based bioceramic porous granules with many more in the pipeline with industrial collaboration. The Institute also holds a number of international patents for devices and processes.

We hope, the Indian Medical Devices Industry would certainly take benefit from the services being provided by this Institute.

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology has organised an Indo - Australian Conference on Biomaterials, Implants, Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine ( Jan. 10 - 12 , 2007 ) jointly with Australian Education International, Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

The focus of the conference will be within 'Advanced Materials' for medical applications. The conference will enable Indian and Australian scientists to broaden their knowledge of the range of scientific progress in this vital field of health science.

This issue also includes regular features like Technology, Industry News, Global Trends, Networking Opportunities etc.

We feel proud and privileged to announce that the collection of articles from the last 21 issues of the magazine will now be available in CD ROM for the benefit of the Industry. More details about this is available on the web site, www.medicalplasticsindia.com

D.L. Pandya