POLYMERS:
INTRODUCTION, DEFINITION,
CLASSIFICATION, PROPERTIES
AND APPLICATIONS

SUBMITTED TO- DR KANCHAN KOHLI

DEPARTMENT – PHARMACEUTICS

SPER , JAMIA HAMDARD UNIVERSITY

SUBMITTED BY- ASAD ALI

M. PHARM,1ST SEMESTER

PHARMACEUTICS , SPER

WHAT IS POLYMER?

The word “polymer” means “many parts.” A polymer is a
large molecule made up of many small repeating units.
Polymers are considered to be a subset of
macromolecules. Macromolecule refers to any large
molecule. A monomer is a small molecule that combines
with other molecules of the same or different types to form
a polymer.

WHAT IS CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY?

Controlled Drug Delivery System (CDDS) Controlled release
is a term referring to the delivery of compounds in response
to time.

Controlled release systems have been developed to
protect drug from physiological degradation or elimination,
to improve patient compliance, and to enhance quality
control in manufacturing of drug products.

CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS USED IN CDDS

Natural Polymer
1. Protein-based polymer: Collagen, Albumin, Gelatin

2. Polysaccharides: Alginate, Cyclodextrin, Chitosan, Dextran, Agarose, Hyaluronic acid,
Starch, Cellulose

Synthetic Polymers
Biodegradable Polymer

a) Polyester: Poly lactic acid, Poly glycolic acid Poly hydroxyl butyrate, Polyester,
Polycaprolactone Poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), Poly diaxonone

b) Polyanhydride: Poly adepic acid, Poly sebacic acid Poly terpthalic acid

c) Polyamides: Poly amino acid, Poly imino carbonate

d) Phosphorous based polymer: Polyphosphates, Poly phosphonates, Poly Phosphazenes

e) Others: Poly cyanoacrylates, Poly urethanes, Poly ortho ester, Polyacetals etc.

Non-Biodegradable polymers

a) Cellulose derivative: Carboxy methyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose Cellulose acetate hydroxyl
propyl methyl cellulose

b) Silicons: Polydimethyl siloxane, Colloidal silica, Polymethacrylate, Polymethyl methacrylate

c) Others: Poly vinyl pyrolidine, Ethyl vinyl acetate, Poloxamine etc.

Applications of Polymers for Controlled Drug
Delivery Systems

1. The Ocusert System

The delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye for the treatment of disorders of the eye, (e.g.,
glaucoma), using conventional drug delivery systems, e.g., drops, ointments, is an inefficient
process.

The efficiency of ocular drug delivery is improved through the use of polymeric implants that
are implanted under the lower cul-de-sac of the eye. In this system pilocarpine is dispersed
within an alginic acid matrix which is sandwiched between two layers each composed of
poly(ethy1ene-co-vinyl acetate). It is designed to release either 20 µg/h or 40 µg/h of a
therapeutic agent for a seven day period following implantation.

2. Transdermal Patches

Transdermal drug delivery involves the diffusion of the drug through the skin and ultimately
absorption into the systemic circulation.

In the matrix drug is dissolved or dispersed with solid polymer (acrylate co-polymer).

3. Oral delivery system

WHAT IS SUSTAINED DRUG DELIVERY?

Sustained drug delivery system “Drug Delivery systems that are
designed to achieve prolonged therapeutic effect by continuously
releasing medication over an extended period of time after
administration of single dose.”

To achieve steady state blood level that is therapeutically effective
and non toxic for an extended period of time.

CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS USED IN SDDS

Sr no. Polymer Characteristics Material

1. Insoluble, Inert polymer Polyethylene polyvinyl chloride, ethyl cellulose

2. Insoluble, Erodible polymer Stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, polyethylene
glycol, castor wax, polyethylene glycol
monostearate

3. Hydrophilic Polymer Methyl cellulose, Hydroxyethyl cellulose,
HPMC, Sodium CMC,
Carboxypolymethylene

Applications of Polymers for Sustained Drug
Delivery Systems

REFERENCES

 A review article on novel oral sustained release technology by International journal of
research and development in pharmacy and life science, page no- 262-265

 Sustained drug delivery system by Indian journal of research in and biotechnology, page
no- 305-310.

 An overview: Oral sustained release drug delivery system, page no- 57-62.

 A review article on Sustained release oral drug delivery system by International journal of
pharma research & review , page no-11-21.22

 . Chauhan P S N et al.; Pharmaceutical Polymer; Encyclopedia of Biomedical Polymers
and Polymeric Biomaterials

 Choi W Y at el.; Formulation of controlled-release pelubiprofen tablet using Kollidon1 SR;
International Journal of Pharmaceutics; Elsevier; 2016

 https://www.google.co.in/search?q=polymers&rlz=1C1CHZL_enIN807IN807&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwicvJCbb_dAhUIOI8KHU84B_4Q_AUIDigB&biw=1536&bih
=710#imgrc=6QTvhiSCLMQPxM:

 https://www.britannica.com/science/polymer