Abstract

PHARMACEUTICAL POLYMERS IN DRUG DELIVERY

Tejaswini M. Ghodke, Sakshi K. Mankar and Priya U. Chikale*

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical polymers play a critical role in advancing drug delivery systems by enabling the development of controlled, targeted, and sustained-release mechanisms. This review discusses the various types of pharmaceutical polymers, including natural, synthetic, biodegradable, and non-biodegradable polymers, and their applications in different drug delivery routes such as oral, transdermal, injectable, and implantable systems. The mechanisms of drug release—diffusion, swelling, and erosion—are explored, alongside recent innovations in smart polymers and stimuli-responsive materials. The methods for characterizing these polymers are examined, and the current challenges and future directions in polymer-based drug delivery are highlighted. With the rapid development of novel polymeric materials, the potential for innovative drug delivery systems is immense, promising significantimprovements in therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.

Keywords: Drug Delivery, Polymer, Biodegradable polymers, Non-Biodegradable polymers.