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Pharmaceutically used polymers: principles, structures, and applications of pharmaceutical delivery systems
1Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|March 11, 2010
Summary
This chapter explores pharmaceutical polymers, their properties, and their role in controlled drug delivery systems. It highlights new polymer types and challenges in drug release applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Pharmaceutical polymers are crucial for drug delivery.
- Understanding polymer physicochemical characteristics is key to effective drug release.
- Controlled drug release systems aim to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical polymers.
- To discuss factors influencing drug delivery abilities of polymers.
- To explore novel polymers and challenges in controlled release.
Main Methods:
- Review of physicochemical characteristics of pharmaceutical polymers.
- Analysis of chemical structure and properties for controlled release applications.
- Examination of new polymer classes like dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers.
Main Results:
- Detailed discussion on polymer properties affecting drug delivery.
- Identification of challenges in current controlled drug release systems.
- Outline of FDA-approved polymers for oral drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceutical polymers are versatile materials for drug delivery.
- Novel polymers offer unique opportunities for advanced drug delivery systems.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in controlled release technology.
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