Polyphosphates and other phosphorus-containing polymers for drug delivery applications

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Phosphorus-containing polymers, including poly(phosphate ester)s, polyphosphonates, and polyphosphazenes, have gained significant attention.
• These polymers offer diverse properties and morphologies, from gels to microparticles.
• The pentavalency of phosphorus enables covalent drug linkage, enhancing delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements and applications of phosphorus-containing polymers.
• To highlight their potential in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and therapeutic development.
• To discuss their exploration in ongoing human clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research on poly(phosphate ester)s, polyphosphonates, and polyphosphazenes.
• Analysis of polymer properties, morphologies, and drug-linking capabilities.
• Examination of current and potential applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering.

Main Results:

• Diverse subclasses of phosphorus-containing polymers have been developed with tunable properties.
• These polymers are effective in various drug delivery systems, including microparticles and gels.
• Successful applications are being investigated in human clinical trials for vaccines and therapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Phosphorus-containing polymers are versatile biomaterials with broad therapeutic potential.
• Ongoing research continues to expand their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
• Clinical trials indicate promising utility in human health applications, including vaccine and oncolytic delivery.