Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems


Book Description

Emphasizing four major classes of polymers for drug delivery-water-soluble polymers, hydrogels, biodegradable polymers, and polymer assemblies-this reference surveys efforts to adapt, modify, and tailor polymers for challenging molecules such as poorly water-soluble compounds, peptides/proteins, and plasmid DNA.




Novel Smart Polymer Based In Situ Gels


Book Description

The objectives of this investigation were to investigate the effect of interaction of protein and polymers with varying end groups on the overall release profile of model proteins (Lysozyme, Bromelain and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)). Lactide and/or glycolide-based polymers (intrinsic viscosity 0.15 to 0.22 d/L) differing in end groups (carboxylic acid or ester), were dissolved in an organic solvent mixture of various ratios of benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol. Polymer solutions were tested for injectability through 22 gauge needle. The model proteins were incorporated into the polymer solution by sonicating at 40W for 20 seconds. When polymer-protein solution was injected in releasing media (phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4), it instantaneously formed a gel depot. Samples were withdrawn from the releasing media at specific time points and analyzed for the protein content as well as its conformational stability and biological activity. Lysozyme and Bromelain content was determined at 280 nm while BSA contents were determined at 277.8 nm by using a UV spectrophotometer. Conformational stability was determined by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The peaks in the range of 1620-1695nm in FTIR spectrum were indicative of secondary structures of the model proteins. Enthalpy and mid-point of thermal transition in DSC thermogram were used as thermodynamic parameters indicating conformational stability. Biological activity was determined by enzyme activity assay using Micrococcus Lysodeikticus as substrate for Lysozyme, Tyrosinase for albumin, and Z-L-Lys-ONp hydrochloride for Bromelain




Polymer Gels


Book Description

This book addresses a range of synthesis and characterization techniques that are critical for tailoring and broadening the various aspects of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels. Topics covered include: synthesis and structure of physically/chemically cross-linked polymer-gels/polymeric nanogels; gel formation through non-covalent cross-linking; molecular design and characterization; polysaccharide-based polymer gels: synthesis, characterization, and properties; modified polysaccharide gels: silica-based polymeric gels as platforms for the delivery of pharmaceuticals; gel-based approaches in genomic and proteomic sciences; emulgels in drug delivery; and organogels. The book provides a cutting-edge resource for researchers and scientists working in various fields involving polymers, biomaterials, bio-nanotechnology and functional materials.




Phase-sensitive Smart Polymers for the Sustained Delivery of Proteins in Biologically Active Form


Book Description

In this study, phase-sensitive smart polymers were investigated for the sustained delivery of proteins in biologically active form. These phase-sensitive smart polymers are the smart polymers which show sol-gel transitions upon change in their external phase that is - from organic to aqueous.




Biodegradable Thermogels


Book Description

Biodegradable thermogels are a promising class of stimuli-responsive polymers. This book summarizes recent developments in thermogel research with a focus on synthesis and self-assembly mechanisms, gel biodegradability, and applications for drug delivery, cell encapsulation and tissue engineering. A closing chapter on commercialisation shows the challenges faced bringing this new material to market. Edited by leading authorities on the subject, this book offers a comprehensive overview for academics and professionals across polymer science, materials science and biomedical and chemical engineering.




Polymer Gels


Book Description

This book summarizes the recent advances in the science and engineering of polymer-gel-based materials in different fields. It also discusses the extensive research developments for the next generation of smart materials. It takes an in-depth look at the current perspectives and market opportunities while pointing to new possibilities and applications. The book addresses important topics such as stimuli responsive polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapy; polymer gel containing metallic materials; chemotherapeutic applications in oncology; conducting polymer-based gels and their applications in biological sensors; imprinted polymeric gels for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes; applications of biopolymeric gels in the agricultural sector; application of polymer gels and their nanocomposites in electrochemistry; smart polyelectrolyte gels as a platform for biomedical applications; agro-based polymer gels and their application in purification of industrial water wastes; polymer gel composites for bio-applications. It will be of interest to researchers working in both industry and academia.




Smart Polymers and their Applications


Book Description

Smart polymers are polymers that respond to different stimuli or changes in the environment. Smart Polymers and their Applications reviews the types, synthesis, properties, and applications of smart polymers. Chapters in part one focus on types of polymers, including temperature-, pH-, photo-, and enzyme-responsive polymers. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. Part two highlights applications of smart polymers, including smart instructive polymer substrates for tissue engineering; smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery; the use of smart polymers in medical devices for minimally invasive surgery, diagnosis, and other applications; and smart polymers for bioseparation and other biotechnology applications. Further chapters discuss the use of smart polymers for textile and packaging applications, and for optical data storage. Smart Polymers and their Applications is a technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the polymer industry; manufacturers in such sectors as medical, automotive, and aerospace engineering; and academic researchers in polymer science. Reviews the different types of smart polymer, discussing their properties, structure, design, and characterization Reviews applications of smart polymers in such areas as biomedical engineering, textiles, and food packaging




Temperature-Responsive Polymers


Book Description

An authoritative resource that offers an understanding of the chemistry, properties and applications of temperature-responsive polymers With contributions from a distinguished panel of experts, Temperature-Responsive Polymers puts the focus on hydrophilic polymers capable of changing their physicochemical properties in response to changes in environmental temperature. The contributors review the chemistry of these systems, and discuss a variety of synthetic approaches for preparation of temperature-responsive polymers, physicochemical methods of their characterisation and potential applications in biomedical areas. The text reviews a wide-variety of topics including: The characterisation of temperature-responsive polymers; Infrared and Raman spectroscopy; Applications of temperature-responsive polymers grafted onto solid core nanoparticles; and much more. The contributors also explore how temperature-responsive polymers can be used in the biomedical field for applications such as tissue engineering. This important resource: Offers an important synthesis of the current research on temperature-responsive polymers Covers the chemistry, the synthetic approaches for presentation and the physiochemical method of temperature-responsive polymers Includes a review of the fundamental characteristics of temperature-responsive polymers Explores many of the potential applications in biomedical science, including drug delivery and gene therapy Written for polymer scientists in both academia and industry as well as postgraduate students working in the area of stimuli-responsive materials, this vital text offers an exploration of the chemistry, properties and current applications of temperature-responsive polymers.