title: Polymers in drug delivery.
abstract: 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. 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 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 drug-delivery systems. Design and synthesis of novel combinations of polymers will expand the scope of new drug-delivery systems in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Sector-67, Ph X, SAS Nagar -- 160 062 (Punjab), India.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Panchagnula
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D011108:Polymers