Using biodegradable polymers in advanced drug delivery systems.
Research currently is under way to design novel drug delivery systems that enhance the duration of activity and that provide site-specific release of the drug.  Biodegradable polymers represent an important class of materials used in the manufacture of these systems.  This article discusses some major types of biodegradable polymers and reviews their applications in advanced drug delivery.
Schacht
E H
EH
Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Division of Polymer Chemistry, Ghent, Belgium.
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001704:Biopolymers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000737:chemistry