title: Controlled release of therapeutics using interpenetrating polymeric networks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ever-increasing developments in pharmaceutical formulations have led to the widespread use of biodegradable polymers in various forms and configurations. In particular, interpenetrating network (IPN) and semi-IPN polymer structures that are capable of releasing drugs in a controlled manner have gained much wider importance in recent years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recently, IPNs and semi-IPNs have emerged as innovative materials of choice in controlled release (CR) of drugs as the release from these systems depends on pH of the media and temperature in addition to the nature of the system. These networks can be prepared as smart hydrogels following chemical or physical crosslinking methods to show remarkable drug release patterns compared to single polymer systems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A large number of IPNs and semi-IPNs have been reported in the literature. The present review is focused on the preparation methods and their CR properties with reference to anticancer, anti-asthmatic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis and antihypertensive drugs, as majority of these drugs have been reported to be the ideal choices for using IPNs and semi-IPNs.
authors.affiliation: Soniya College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Chemistry , S.R. Nagar, Dharwad 580 002 , India +91 9449821279 ; +91 836 2467190 ; aminabhavi@yahoo.com ; aminabhavit@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tejraj M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Aminabhavi
authors.forename: Mallikarjuna N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Nadagouda
authors.forename: Uttam A
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: More
authors.forename: Shrinivas D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Venkatrao H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.forename: Malleshappa N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Noolvi
authors.forename: Padmakar V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D020100:Hydrogels; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers
keywords: controlled release; hydrogels; interpenetrating networks; microspheres; semi-interpenetrating networks