Biodegradable polymers: An update |
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| Authors: | Ariella Shikanov Neeraj Kumar Abraham J. Domb |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy—Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;2. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research Department of Pharmaceutics, (NIPER), Sec. 67, Mohali-160062, India |
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| Abstract: | The use of polymeric materials for the administration of pharmaceuticals, and as biomedical devices has increased dramatically. This review focuses on synthetic biodegradable polymers of current interest for medical use, based on ester and anhydride bonds. Special attention is given to factors affecting biodegradation, including: polymer structure, morphology, molecular weight, radiation, and chemical treatment, as well as the effects of drugs and plasticizers added to the polymer mass. The toxicity and biocompatibility of the polymers and their current and future applications in medicine are also briefly reviewed. |
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