Biodegradable Polymers “Properties and Applications”

Polymers that can degrade into biologically compatible components under physiologic conditions present a far more attractive alternative for the preparation of drug delivery systems. The use of biodegradable polymers precludes the need for retrieval at the conclusion of the dosing regimen, thereby avoiding the potential complications associated with the use of non-degradable systems. A wide variety of approaches are continuously being pursued in the quest for improved biodegradable drug delivery systems. New and modified polymer chemistries that offer distinctive degradation and drug delivery attributes are being identified and evaluated. At the same time, innovative engineering and manufacturing methods are under development to fabricate devices and physical platforms having novel three dimensional structural attributes. In certain instances, these products make it possible to treat entirely new therapeutic applications using biodegradable devices.