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Biodegradable polymers: An update
Author(s) -
Shikanov Ariella,
Kumar Neeraj,
Domb Abraham J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
israel journal of chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.908
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1869-5868
pISSN - 0021-2148
DOI - 10.1560/atqm-mq02-gldu-ef6l
Subject(s) - chemistry , biocompatibility , polymer , biodegradation , plasticizer , nanotechnology , polymer science , biodegradable polymer , organic chemistry , materials science
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.