1994 Whitaker Lecture: polymers for drug delivery and tissue engineering.
This paper reviews three areas of the author's research. The first area concerns the development of technologies to release macromolecules continuously from solid polymers. By embedding solid protein (or other macromolecule) powders at the correct concentration in hydrophobic polymers, prolonged release for over 100 days can be achieved. The second area involves the synthesis of new biodegradable polymers specifically designed for drug delivery. A novel family of polymers, polyanhydrides, now being explored in a number of medical applications is examined. The use of these polymers to deliver chemotherapeutic agents locally may provide a new approach to treat brain cancer. The final research topic is in the area of tissue engineering. By placing mammalian cells on biodegradable polymer scaffolds, a variety of tissues have been created in animal models. Cartilage is discussed as a model tissue.
Langer
R
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA.
D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins