Application of natural and semi-synthetic polymers for the delivery of sensitive drugs

AbstractThis review summarises recent developments in the application of natural and semi-synthetic polymers for the delivery of sensitive drugs. Peptides, proteins and nucleic acids are drugs of increasing relevance potentially offering treatment options in indications with high unmet medical need. However, these drugs are characterised by high molecular weight, high sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, unfavourable pharmacokinetics and often require targetting to specific cell types or cellular compartments. To successfully transform these drug molecules into efficacious therapies, advanced drug delivery systems must be developed that protect the drug, control drug release to improve pharmacokinetics and allow efficient targetting. Synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural polymers or inorganic materials are frequently used for the development of drug delivery systems. Considering factors such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, solvent-free processing and availability from renewable resources, natural a...