POLYMERS IN DRUG DELIVERY: A REVIEW

Polymers have been used as a main tool to control the drug release rate from the formulations. Extensive applications of polymers in drug delivery have been realized because polymers offer unique properties which so far have not been attained by any other materials. Advances in polymer science have led to the development of several novel drug-delivery systems. A proper consideration of surface and bulk properties can aid in the designing of polymers for various drug-delivery applications. These newer technological development include drug modification by chemical means, career based drug delivery and drug entrapment in polymeric matrices or within pumps that are placed in desired bodily compartments. These technical development in drug delivery/targeting approaches improve the efficacy of drug therapy thereby improve human health. Polymer chemists and chemical engineers, pharmaceutical scientists are engaged in bringing out design predictable, controlled delivery of bio active agents. Biodegradable polymers have been widely used in biomedical applications because of their known biocompatibility and biodegradability. In the biomedical area, polymers are generally used as implants and are expected to perform long term service. These improvements contribute to make medical treatment more efficient and to minimize side effects and other types of inconveniences for patients