Biocompatible copolymer systems

The newly developed systems behaved in a superior manner to conventional treatment with nystatin emulsion. A positive synergy was observed with a combined antifungal and antioxidant component (synthetic and natural biomaterials) incorporated into a functional biocompatible gel. The in-vitro antioxidant capacity was quantified and the influence of antioxidant capacity of propolis extract on the rate of release of nystatin from chitosan-based material was investigated. These copolymer systems were able to release the drug over several weeks and, therefore, may be useful as a drug carrier in the treatment of oral mucositis [35]. 

Application possibilities of biocompatible copolymer micellar systems... 

However, the development of in vivo applications for PNIPAM is limited by its non-biodegradability and the presence of amide moieties that reduce its biocompatibility. For this reason, other thermo-responsive polymers have been investigated in recent years. Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) is a promising alternative. This polymer has a LCST between 35 and 38°C, again close to the temperature of the human body, and is characterized by high biocompatibility and low toxicity (Konak et al, 2007 Medeiros et al, 2010 Shtanko et al, 2003 Yanul et al, 2001). Additionally, amphiphilic copolymers such as Pluronics and Tetronics have been developed, based on copolymers of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. These copolymer systems exhibit a solution-gel transition at close to human body temperature that permits their application as injectable implants (Samchenko et ai,2011). 

The copolymer ratio of a polymer system greatly alters its degradation rates. Poly(DL-lactic acid) (PDLA) and PGA are the most used linear polymers, due to well-established biocompatibilities. It is possible to achieve a desired degradation rate by using different copolymer ratio of PGA and PDLA. In this section, we use a KMC degradation model for a PLGA copolymer system in order to study its innate... 

Drug Release from PHEMA-l-PIB Networks. Amphiphilic networks due to their distinct microphase separated hydrophobic-hydrophilic domain structure posses potential for biomedical applications. Similar microphase separated materials such as poly(HEMA- -styrene-6-HEMA), poly(HEMA-6-dimethylsiloxane- -HEMA), and poly(HEMA-6-butadiene- -HEMA) triblock copolymers have demonstrated better antithromogenic properties to any of the respective homopolymers (5-S). Amphiphilic networks are speculated to demonstrate better biocompatibility than either PIB or PHEMA because of their hydrophilic-hydrophobic microdomain structure. These unique structures may also be useful as swellable drug delivery matrices for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs due to their amphiphilic nature. Preliminary experiments with theophylline as a model for a water soluble drug were conducted to determine the release characteristics of the system. Experiments with lipophilic drugs are the subject of ongoing research. 

As previously mentioned, degradable microspheres have gained attention as promising delivery vehicles for steroids in postmenopausal therapy. Copolymers of CL and d,l-LA were used to prepare microspheres for prolonged release of progesterone and [5-estradiol. The system offered a constant release for up to 40 days in vitro and 70 days in vivo [226]. Similarly, PCL copolymers have been considered useful for androgen replacement therapy in the treatment of aging men with a testosterone deficiency. Micelles of PCL-block-poly(ethylene oxide) released dihydrotestosterone in a controlled fashion over 30 days. The biocompatibility was confirmed in vitro in a HeLa cell culture [227]. 

In hemodialysis, blood from the patient flows on one side of a membrane and a specially prepared dialysis solution is fed to the other side. Waste material in the blood such as urea, excess acids, and electrolytes diffuse into the dialysate the blood is then returned to the patient, as shown in Fig. 48. A patient typically undergoes dialysis three times per week in sessions lasting several hours each. Modern dialysis systems combine sophisticated monitoring and control functions to ensure safe operation. Regenerated cellulose was the first material used in hemodialysis membranes because of its biocompatibility and low cost it remains the most popular choice. Subsequently, high-permeability dialysis membranes derived from cellulose esters, modified polysulfone, or polyacrylonitrile copolymers have also gained wide acceptance because of the shorter sessions they make possible. 

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