Abstract

POLYMER-BASED CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ADVANCES, APPLICATIONS, FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abhay Mane*, Godavari Kulkarni, Kunal Dolas, Magan Choudhary, Sakshi Dalvi

Abstract

Polymer-based controlled drug delivery systems (CDDS) have surfaced as a groundbreaking solution to address the drawbacks of conventional drug administration, such as unpredictable plasma levels and low bioavailability. These systems employ natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic polymers to facilitate sustained, targeted, and predictable release of medication. Mechanisms, including diffusion, dissolution, swelling, osmosis, and biodegradation, allow for customized delivery that meets therapeutic requirements. A variety of polymeric carriers, such as nanoparticles, micelles, hydrogels, liposomes, and dendrimers, enable precise targeting, improved stability, and reduced side effects. Their uses extend across oral, transdermal, ocular, pulmonary, and targeted drug delivery, thereby enhancing patient adherence and treatment effectiveness. Progress in biodegradable and stimuli-responsive polymers has broadened their significance in the biomedical field, making drug delivery responsive to both physiological and pathological signals. The combination of nanotechnology and polymer chemistry is continuously transforming personalized medicine, resulting in adaptive, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Controlled drug delivery systems, Conventional drug administration, Polymers, Mechanisms, Polymer chemistry.