Book excerpt: ADHESIVES IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS Uniquely provides up-to-date and comprehensive information on adhesives in biomedical applications in an easily accessible form. Adhesives are gaining popularity in many and varied biomedical applications as they are being used as a replacement for sutures and staples, which have the disadvantages such as scarring, infection, keloid formation, poor skin healing, or hernia in the case of abdominal sutures. On the other hand, adhesives dramatically reduce healthcare costs, significantly reduce time spent in surgery, curb the risks of bleeding, and are generally easy to use. Adhesives also find their use in diagnostic imaging, various biomedical devices, dental adhesives, dermal adhesives, etc. Adhesives in Biomedical Applications contains eleven chapters and is divided into two parts: Part 1: General Topics; and Part 2: Specific Adhesives, Characteristics, and Applications. Topics covered include: historical developments of various adhesives for biomedical applications; global industry development and analysis of adhesives for biomedical applications; biomedical adhesives; bioadhesion: fundamentals and mechanisms; fibrin glue; herbal bioactives-based mucoadhesive drug delivery systems; adhesive hydrogels; adhesives in dermal patches; medical adhesives from extracted mussel adhesive proteins; dental adhesives; and the role of adhesive-based systems for diagnostic imaging and theranostic applications. Audience The book will be used by adhesionists, adhesive technologists, polymer scientists, materials scientists, as well as those involved with biomedical devices and bioimplants such as medical doctors, surgeons, cosmetologists, as well as engineers in the pharmaceutical industry.