FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCCES
MAHAYOGI GORAKHNATH UNIVERSITY GORAKHPUR
Arogya Dham, Balapar Road, Sonbarsa, Gorakhpur-273007(U.P)
PRESENTATION ON
Polymers, Classification
Advantages And Application Of Polymers In Formulation Of Controlled
Release Drug Delivery Systems.
PREPARED BY:
DILIP KUMAR MISHRA
Ph.D. RESEARCH SCHOLAR
FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
MAHAYOGI GORAKHNATH UNIVERSITY GORAKHPUR
Polymer
The word polymer comes from the Greek words for ‘poly –many’
‘mer -
parts.’
Introduction
• A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very large
molecules called macromolecules, composed of many
repeating subunits. Due to their broad spectrum of properties,
both synthetic and natural polymers play essential roles in
everyday life.
• They are versatile polymer materials
used in various industries including –
• packaging industries
• construction, industries
• healthcare ( Pharmaceutical industries
)
classification on the basis of source
• Natural polymer
Examples are proteins, cellulose, starch, some resins and rubber.
• Semi-synthetics polymer
Examples- Cellulose derivatives as cellulose acetate (rayon) and
cellulose nitrate
classification on the basis of source
• Synthetic polymers
Example are polyethylene and PVC, are man-made through chemical
processes
Classification based on structure
• Linear polymers-
Example- polythene , polyethylene , polyvinyl chloride, poly (vinyl alcohol),
poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)
• Branched polymers – These polymers contain linear chains having some branches,
Example- low density polythene, glycogen, and starch
Classification based on structure
• Cross linked polymers-
Example - These are usually formed from bi-functional and tri-
functional monomers and contain strong covalent bonds between
various linear polymer chains, e.g. Bakelite, melamine, etc. These
polymers are depicted as follows:
Classification Based on Properties
• Polymers can be classified as thermoplastics or thermosets based on
their response to heat.
• Thermoplastics soften when heated and can be reshaped, while
thermosets undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated.
Classification based on Degradation
• Biodegradable –
• Example – Polylactic acid
• Use- in manufacturing of stunt, suture
• Polyorthoesters - These are degradable polymer used in orthopedic
application .
• Poly glycolic acid – non toxic biodegradable
• Polyhydroxy butyrate- (PHB)- this polymer shows long term drug
delivery
• (Poly) lactic- co- glycolic acid PLGA
Non Biodegradable
• Non Biodegradable -which are not broken down into simpler
substances by biological actions.
Example
1.Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
2.Polyethylene (PE)
3.Polypropylene (PP)
4.Polystyrene (PS)
Classification based on Polymerization
• 1 Addition polymers- A polymer form by chain addition rection b/w monomers
contain double bond .
• Example - Ethene can polymerize with each other under the right conditions to
form the polymer called polyethylene.
• 2 Condensation polymers -It is a form of a step-growth polymerization where smaller
molecules or monomers react with each other to form larger structural units Ex-cellulose,
polyester synthesized in large quantity by certain soil and water bacteria.
Introduction to Polymers in Controlled Release
Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymers are versatile materials that can be tailored to achieve
specific drug release profiles.
• Controlled release drug delivery systems offer sustained release of
drugs over an extended period of time.
• Polymers play a crucial role in the formulation of controlled release
drug delivery systems
Criteria followed in polymer selection
• The polymer should be soluble and easy to synthesis .
• It should have finite molecular weight.
• It should be compatible with biological environment .
• It should be biodegradable.
• It should provide good drug polymer linkage.
Advantages of Using Polymers
in Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymers provide a protective barrier for drugs, preventing
degradation and improving stability.
• They allow for precise control over drug release kinetics, leading to
improved efficacy and patient compliance.
• Polymers can be biocompatible and biodegradable, reducing the risk
of toxicity and side effects
Conti..
• Erosion pattern characteristic of polyorthoesters - Used in
implantation .
Types of Polymers Used in Controlled
Release Drug Delivery Systems
• Biodegradable polymers such as PLGA and PCL gradually degrade in
the body, releasing the drug payload.
• Hydrogels like chitosan and alginate can absorb and retain large amounts
of water, facilitating controlled drug release.
• Smart polymers respond to external stimuli like temperature or pH
changes, triggering drug release at specific sites
• Linear polymer-PEG one of the most frequently applied polymer
PEG along with VTX increase separation of tumor, ,
How to polymer work
Application of Polymers in Oral
Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymers can be used to formulate extended-release tablets, providing a
sustained release of the drug over a prolonged period.
• They can also be incorporated into microspheres or nanoparticles for
targeted drug delivery to specific tissues or organs.
• Ex- Poly-(Lactic –co-glycolic acid ) and cyclodextrin based
nanoparticle.
• Polymers in oral drug delivery systems help improve bioavailability
and reduce dosing frequency
Polymers in Transdermal Drug
Delivery Systems
• Transdermal patches containing polymers allow for controlled release
of drugs through the skin, avoiding first-pass metabolism.
• Ex- hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), xanthan gum, sodium
alginate, chitosan, ethyl cellulose (EC),
• Polymers help enhance skin permeation of drugs and maintain a
constant drug concentration in the bloodstream.
• Transdermal drug delivery systems offer convenience, improved patient
compliance, and reduced side effects.
Polymers in Ocular Drug
Delivery Systems
• Polymers in ocular drug delivery systems help prolong drug retention in the
eye, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
• Ex-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(glycolic
acid) (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA),
• Sustained-release implants containing polymers offer a convenient and
effective way to deliver drugs to the eye.
• Polymers can be designed to release drugs at a controlled rate, reducing the
need for frequent dosing
Polymers in Injectable Drug Delivery Systems
• Injectable depots incorporating polymers provide sustained release of
drugs, reducing the need for frequent injections.
• Polymers can be tailored to release drugs at a controlled rate, achieving
therapeutic levels over an extended period.
• Injectable drug delivery systems utilizing polymers offer targeted delivery
and improved treatment outcomes.
Future Directions in Polymer-Based Drug Delivery
Systems
• Future research aims to develop novel polymers with enhanced
properties for precise control over drug release.
• Combination therapies and personalized drug delivery systems using
polymers are being explored for improved patient outcomes.
Reference
• GENERAL REFERENCES Mark 1966, 1977; Billmeyer 1972, 1982;
Elias 1977, Part I; Bovey 1979
• Britt ter Horst, ... Liam M. Grover, in
Biomaterials for Skin Repair and Regeneration, 2019
• Monireh Esmaeili Rad, ... Meral Yüce, in
Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry, 2023
• https://testbook.com/chemistry/biodegradable-polymers
• https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/intro1.htm
• https://www.slideshare.net/NabeelaMoosakuttyNM/polymers-of-
controlled-drug-delivery-system
