ABSTRACT
Polymers are becoming increasingly important in the field of drug delivery. The advances in polymer science have led to the development of several novel drug-delivery systems (DDSs). The pharmaceutical applications of polymers range from their use as binders in tablets to viscosity and flow controlling agents in liquids, suspensions, and emulsions. Polymers can be used as film coatings to mask the unpleasant taste of a drug, to enhance drug stability, and to modify drug release characteristics. Biodegradable polymers find widespread use in drug delivery as they can be degraded to non-toxic monomers inside the body. Novel supramolecular structures based on polyethylene oxide copolymers and dendrimers are being intensively researched for the delivery of genes and macromolecules. Hydrogels that can respond to a variety of physical, chemical, and biological stimuli hold enormous potential for design of closed-loop DDSs. This entry focuses on the different classes of natural and synthetic pharmaceutical polymers and the significance of these for controlled drug delivery applications. It further focuses on the design and synthesis of novel combinations of polymers that will expand the scope of new DDSs in the future. This entry also covers the selection criteria of a proper polymeric system for different drug delivery system.
