Drug delivery systems, polymer-based

This abundantly available polymer has been investigated for various biomedical applications such as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications, bone cements, and as drug delivery systems. Starch based microparticles and fiber mesh scaffolds are used as carriers for osteoblasts, bone marrow stromal cells... 

Pitt, C. G., and Schindler, A., The design of controlled drug delivery systems based on biodegradable polymers, in Biodegradable and Delivery Systems for Contraception, Progress in Contraceptive Delivery Systems, Vol. 1 (E. S. E. Hafez and W. A. A. van Os, eds.), MTP Press Ltd., Lancaster, England, 1980, pp. 17-46. 

An erodible insert developed as a potential ocular drug-delivery system is marketed as a prescription drug for the lubricant properties of the polymer base. Lacrisert is a sterile ophthalmic insert used in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye syndrome and is usually recommended for patients unable to obtain symptomatic relief with artificial tear solutions. The insert is composed of 5 mg of hydroxypropylcellulose in a rod-shaped form about 1.27 mm diameter by about 3.5 mm long. No preservative is used, since it is essentially anhydrous. The quite rigid cellulose rod is placed in the lower conjunctival sac and first imbibes water from the tears and after several hours forms a... 

Poly-j3-malate is readily degraded completely to L-malic acid under both acid and base conditions [108], and it can also be hydrolyzed by enzymes within the cell [105,106]. Recently, several bacteria were isolated which were able to utilize poly-/i-malate as sole carbon source for growth [109]. Because the polymer is biodegradable and bioadsorbable, it is of considerable interest for pharmaceutical applications, especially in controlled-release drug delivery systems [97,98]. Chemical routes to poly-/ -malate are expected to provide materials with various properties [110]. 

Malafaya, R. B., Elvira, C., Gallardo, A., San Roman, J., Reis, R. L. (2001). Rorous starch-based drug delivery systems processed by a microwave treatment. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed., 72(11), 1227-1241. 

Loftsson, T., Leeves, N., Sigurjonsdottir, J. F., Sigurosson, H. H., and Masson, M. 2001. Sustained drug delivery system based on a cationic polymer and an anionic drug/cyclodextrin corfiftemazie. 

Langoth, N., et al. 2003. Development of buccal drug delivery systems based on a thiolated polymer. Int J Pharm 252 141. 

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