Biomimetic Polymers for In Vivo Drug Delivery

Polymer materials play an important role in novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). Biomimetic polymers are artificial polymers inspired by specific features of a biological system. This chapter mainly discusses syntheric biomimetic polymers with biodegradability and their application as carriers for in vivo drug delivery. Commonly used polymers include polylactones, dendrimers and polypeptides and their physical/chemical modifications. The structure, properties and application cases of typical biomimetic polymers are reviewed. Challenges and perspectives of biomimetic polymers in DDSs are discussed as well.
Abstract: Polymer materials play an important role in novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). Biomimetic polymers are artificial polymers inspired by specific features of a biological system. This chapter mainly discusses syntheric biomimetic polymers with biodegradability and their application as carriers for in vivo drug delivery. Commonly used polymers include polylactones, dendrimers and polypeptides and their physical/chemical modifications. The structure, properties and application cases of typical biomimetic polymers are reviewed. Challenges and perspectives of biomimetic polymers in DDSs are discussed as well