Polyanhydrides carrier systems

Figure 5.1 A systematic representation of polyanhydride drug carriers and their applications, (a) The types of the polyanhydrides — conventional and advanced, (b) various carrier systems fabricated using different polyanhydrides, (c) various classes of biologicals and non-biologicals utilising polyanbydrides for their delivery, (d) products related to polyanhydrides which have reached from bench to clinic, (e) surface erosion mechanism of polyanhydrides and the typical zero-order release profile.

In another apphcation, novel amphiphihc biodegradable systems based on polyanhydrides for the stabilisation and sustained release of peptides and proteins were reported (Torres et al., 2007). Results indicate polyanhydride carriers for the stabilisation and sustained release of therapeutic peptides and proteins. 

Polyanhydrides are a class of bioerodible polymers that have shown excellent characteristics as drug delivery carriers. The properties of these biomaterials can be tailored to obtain desirable controlled release characteristics. Extensive research in this promising area of biomaterials is the focus of this entry. In the first part of the entry, the chemical structures and synthesis methods of various polyanhydrides are discussed. This is followed by a discussion of the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of polyanhydrides and their effect on the degradation mechanism of these materials. Finally, a description of drug release applications from polyanhydride systems is presented, highlighting their potential in biomedical applications. 

Domb, A.J. Amselem, S. Langer, R. Maniar, M. Polyanhydrides as carriers of drugs. In Biomedical Polymers Designed-to-Degrade Systems Shalaby, S.W., Ed. Hanser Publishers New York, 1994 69-96. 

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