1994 Whitaker Lecture: polymers for drug delivery and tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Continuous release of macromolecules from solid polymers is challenging.
• Development of novel biodegradable polymers is crucial for advanced drug delivery systems.
• Polymer scaffolds are essential for tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on sustained macromolecule release from polymers.
• To introduce new biodegradable polymers, specifically polyanhydrides, for drug delivery.
• To explore the use of polymer scaffolds in tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Embedding macromolecule powders in hydrophobic polymers for controlled release.
• Synthesizing and characterizing novel polyanhydride polymers.
• Utilizing biodegradable polymer scaffolds for cell seeding and tissue formation.

Main Results:

• Achieved prolonged release of macromolecules (>100 days) from optimized polymer matrices.
• Identified polyanhydrides as a promising class of polymers for medical applications, including local chemotherapy delivery for brain cancer.
• Successfully created various tissues, including cartilage, using mammalian cells on biodegradable polymer scaffolds in animal models.

Conclusions:

• Developed effective polymer technologies for controlled macromolecule release.
• Highlighted the potential of polyanhydrides in drug delivery, particularly for cancer treatment.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of polymer scaffolds in tissue engineering for regenerative medicine.