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Poly(methyl methacrylate) particulate carriers in drug delivery
Ana Bettencourt1, António J Almeida
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences-iMed.UL, University of Lisbon , Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal. asimao@ff.ul.pt
Journal of Microencapsulation
|January 19, 2012
Summary
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) carriers show promise for drug delivery. Enhancing PMMA hydrophilicity improves drug release profiles for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a biocompatible material with growing interest in biomedical applications.
- PMMA-based particulate carriers (PMMA(P)) are explored for drug and vaccine delivery.
- Current PMMA(P) systems exhibit biphasic and incomplete drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preparation techniques for PMMA-based particulate carriers.
- To examine drug release kinetics from PMMA(P).
- To discuss biomedical applications and toxicity of PMMA(P).
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PMMA(P) via polymerization or pre-formed polymer techniques.
- Functionalization of PMMA microspheres to increase hydrophilicity.
- Formulation of PMMA composites with hydrophilic polymers.
Main Results:
- Various methods exist for preparing PMMA-based particulate carriers.
- Drug release from PMMA(P) is typically biphasic and incomplete.
- Strategies to enhance hydrophilicity show potential for improved release profiles.
Conclusions:
- PMMA-based particulate carriers offer versatile drug delivery platforms.
- Improving polymer hydrophilicity is key to optimizing drug release.
- Further research into PMMA(P) applications and safety is warranted.
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