POLYMERS IN CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY: CLASSIFICATION AND KEY PROPERTIES.pptx

Polymers in Controlled Drug Delivery: Classification and Key Properties
1. Introduction
Modern medicine has evolved far beyond simple pills and injections. Today, one of the most exciting advances in pharmaceuticals is the use of controlled drug delivery systems. These systems are designed to deliver medications at a predetermined rate, for a specific period of time, and often to a targeted site within the body. The goal is to maintain the drug’s concentration in the blood within the therapeutic window, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
A key element in the success of these systems is the polymer—a long-chain molecule made up of repeating structural units. Polymers can be designed to control how a drug is released, protect the drug from degradation, and even guide it to specific tissues or cells. Without polymers, controlled drug delivery would not be possible in the sophisticated way we see it today.
Controlled drug delivery has transformed treatment for chronic diseases, pain management, cancer therapy, and many other medical conditions. Instead of frequent dosing, patients can now receive drugs through patches, implants, or microspheres that release medication slowly over days, weeks, or even months. All these systems rely heavily on the unique chemical and physical properties of polymers.
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2. Role of Polymers in Drug Delivery
Polymers play several important roles in drug delivery systems. They can:
1. Control the rate of drug release: By adjusting the polymer’s composition or structure, scientists can design how quickly a drug diffuses out or how long the polymer takes to degrade.
2. Protect the drug molecule: Some drugs are unstable in the body and can degrade before reaching their target. Encapsulating them in a polymer barrier can protect them from enzymes and harsh conditions.
3. Improve bioavailability: By enhancing solubility and absorption, polymers help ensure more of the drug reaches the bloodstream.
4. Enable targeted delivery: Polymers can be designed to respond to specific stimuli—like pH or temperature—so that drugs are released only in certain tissues or disease sites.
5. Provide mechanical support: In implantable devices, polymers offer flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility.
The beauty of polymers lies in their versatility. By changing their chemical structure—such as the type of monomer or cross-linking pattern—scientists can fine-tune the drug release rate, degradation time, and biocompatibility.
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3. Classification of Polymers in Drug Delivery
Polymers used in controlled drug delivery are classified in various ways, usually based on their origin, degradability, or response to environmental stimuli.
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A. Natural Polymers
Natural polymers are obtained from plant, animal, or microbial sources. They are generally biocompatible, non-toxic, and biodegradable, which makes them ideal for m

1. Novel Drug Delivery System “POLYMERS IN CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY: CLASSIFICATION AND KEY PROPERTIES”

2. Introduction Polymers are key materials in controlled drug delivery systems . They help regulate drug release rate, duration, and target site . Used in forms like microspheres, hydrogels , implants, and nanoparticles .

3. C lassification of Pharmaceutical Polymers

4. Biodegradable Polymer   Biodegradable polymers undergo degradation, non- enzymatically and enzymatically and generate a harmless, biocompatible by-product. 

5. Biodegradable Polymer Properties The performance of biodegradable polymers depends upon the following aspects: (1)In situ administration of formulations. (2)On-demand delivery of the molecular targeted agent. (3)The fact that a targeted agent can be combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. (4)The use of FDA approved biodegradable polymers.

6. Non-Biodegradable Polymer Non-biodegradable polymers, also known as non-degradable or persistent polymers, are a class of materials that resist decomposition by natural processes. The characteristics of non-biodegradable polymers include: High mechanical strength and stability Resistance to chemical and thermal degradation 3. Low reactivity 4. High durability

7. Non-Biodegradable Polymer Properties The following table summarizes the properties and applications of some common non-biodegradable polymers used in biomedical fields:

8. Advantages and Disadvantages of polymers in case of Controlled Drug Delivery ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Polymers used in colloidal drug carrier systems, consisting of small particles, show great advantage in drug delivery systems because of optimized drug loading and releasing property. 2. A polymer (natural or synthetic) is aggregated with a drug in controlled drug delivery and hence it gives an effective and controlled dose of drug avoiding overdose. 1. The challenge of accurately constructing systems with precisely regulated release rates is a major impediment to the development of biodegradable polymer microspheres for controlled-release medication delivery applications. 2. Microspheres are fundamentally batch processes, it is difficult to scale up the process and expensive to produce in large quantities.

9. CONCLUSION Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are appropriate materials for the development of novel drug delivery systems. Biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and low cytotoxic effects of these polymers make them an appropriate choice for drug delivery systems.

10. References Ioannis Koutsamanis , Eva Roblegg , Martin Spoerk , Controlled delivery via hot-melt extrusion: A focus on non-biodegradable carriers for non-oral applications, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2023, 104289, ISSN 1773-2247 Sur S., Rathore A., Dave V., Reddy K.R., Chouhan R.S., Sadhu V. Recent developments in functionalized polymer nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery system. Nano Struct . Nano Objects. 2019;20:100397. doi : 10.1016/j.nanoso.2019.100397.  Tibbitt M.W., Dahlman J.E., Langer R. Emerging frontiers in drug delivery. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016;138:704–717. doi : 10.1021/jacs.5b09974. 

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