A PHARMACEUTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SMART POLYMERS IN DRUG DELIVERY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

New drug development is aimed to ensure that the drug is delivered to the desired place in correct quantity. Low drug solubility, drug degradation, or rapid clearance of drug from the body may decrease the effectiveness of a drug. The polymers are effective means for the delivery of small molecules, proteins, genes, or peptides. Polymers are macromolecules having very large chains, and contain a variety of functional groups. They can be attached with other low or high molecular-weight materials, and can be modified as per the requirement. Polymers are nowadays becoming highly significant in the field of drug delivery due to their effectiveness in drug targeting. Advances in polymer science have led to the development of many novel drug-delivery systems. A proper modification of their surface and bulk properties can help in the utilization of polymers for many drug-delivery systems. The present review is aimed to highlight the design and applications of polymers, biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, polymer design and characterization, and recent advancements in polymer technology.