The document discusses biopolymers, defined as large molecules composed of repeating units called monomers, with a focus on biodegradable polymers that break down into natural byproducts. It details various types of both synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers, their synthesis, properties, and applications, such as drug delivery and packaging. Additionally, it covers specific examples like polylactic acid and gelatin, outlining their uses and limitations in medical applications.

1. BIOPOLYMERS
Tanaya Palit
M.Pharm 1st year,
Pharmaceutics dept,
Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical
Science and Technology,
Kolkata
Presented By:

2.  The term “polymer” derives from the ancient Greek word
polus meaning “many, much” and meros meaning “parts”
and refers to a molecule whose structure is composed of
multiple repeating units.
 The term was coined in 1833 by Jons Jacobs Berzelius.
 A polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) compsed
of many repeated subunits known as monomers.
Monomers can be linked together in various ways to give
linear, branched and crossed linked polymers etc.

3. Biodegradable polymers are a specific type
of polymer that breaks down after its intended purpose to
result in natural by products such as gases
, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. These polymers
are found both naturally and synthetically made, and
largely consist of ester, amide, and ether functional
groups. Their properties and breakdown mechanism are
determined by their exact structure. These polymers are
often synthesized by condensation reactions, ring
opening polymerization, and metal catalysts. There are
vast examples and applications of biodegradable
polymers

4. Localized delivery of drug
Sustained delivery of drug
Stabilization of drug
Decrease in dosing frequency
Reduce side effects
Improved patient compliance
Controllable degradation rate

5. Synthetic bio degradable polymers :
Eg. Aliphatic Poly (ester)
Polyanhydrides
Polyphosphazenes
Polyaminoacides
Poly ortoesters
 Natural biodegradable polymers :
Eg. Albumin
Collagen
Dextran
Gelatin

6. Aliphatic Ploy (esters)
These are prepared by ring opening and
polymerization of cyclic ester.
Aliphatic polyesters include :
a)POLY(GLYCOACID)
b) POLY (LACTIC ACID)
c)POLY(CAPROLACTONE)

7. •Polyglycolic acid is a bio degradable , thermoplastic
polymer and simplest linear, aliphatic polyester.
•It is a tough fiber-forming polymer
Use :
Sutures made form poly glycolic acid . These
sutures are absorbable and degradable by
body over time

8. Polylactic acid is a thermoplastic aliaphatic
polyester derived from renewable resources , such as
corn starch tapioca products (roots, chips or starch )
or sugarcane.
It can biodegradable under certain conditions , such
as presence of oxygen and is difficult to recycle.
Use :
Biodegradable PLA cups in use at restaurant

9.  Polycarprolactone is bio degradable polyester
 It has low melting point of around 60c
Slower degradation rate than PLA
Uses :
Home made bicycle light mounting , made from PCL

10.  Poly anhydrides -
 Highly reactive and hydrolytically unstable
 Degrade by surface degradation without the need for catalyst
 Poly Phosphazenes -
• Its hydrolytic stability is determined by change in side group attached to
macromolecular backbone.
• Use for immobilization of antigen or enzyme
• Use for drug delivery investigation.
 Poly Amino acids -
-Amino acids side chains offer sites for drug attachment .
-Artificial skin substitutes
Synthetic bio degradable
Polymers

11.  Natural polymers are an attractive class of
biodegradable polymers as they are :
-Derived from natural sources
-Easily available
-Relatively cheap
Eg. Albumin
Collagen
Dextran
Gelatin

12. Albumin
 It is major plasma protein component
 It accounts for more than 55% of total protein in human plasma
 It is used design particular drug delivery system
Applications :
-Albumin micro-spheres are used to deliver drugs like insulin, sulphadiazenes,5-fluorouracil,
prednisolone etc.
-it is mainly used in chemotherapy to achieve high local drug concentration for relativity longer time
Collagen
 Collagen is most widely found protein in mammals and is the ,major provider of strength to
issue.
 It is used as sutures , dressings etc.
Disadvantages :
 Poor dimensional stability, variability in drug release kinetics.
 Poor mechanical strength.
Application :
 Majorly used in ocular drug delivery system

13. Dextran
 Dextran is a complex branched polysaccharide made by many glucose
molecules joined into chains of varying length
Application :
- used for colonic delivery of drug in the from of gels
Gelatin
 Gelatine is a mixture of peptides and proteins produced by partial hydrolysisof
collagen extracted from the boiled bones connective tissues , organs and some
intestines of animals. Gelatin is an irreversible hydrolyzed from of collagen ,
physicochemical properties depends on the source of collagen, extraction method and
thermal degradation.
Application :
 Employed as coating material.
 Gelatin micro pellets as used for oral controlled delivery of drug

14.  Biodegradable polymer for ocular,tissue engineering, vascular
orthopaedic, skin adhesive& surgical glues.
 Bio degradable drug system for therapeutic agents such as
anti-tumor , anti-psychotic agent, anti – inflammatory agents.
 Polymeric material are use in and on soil to improve aeration,
and promote plant growth and health.
 Many biomaterials , especially,heart valve replacements and
blood vessels are made of polymers like Dacron, Teflon and
polyurethane

15. • Biopolymers (also called renewable polymers) are produced from
biomass for use in the packaging industry.
• Biomass comes from crops such as sugar beet, potatoes or wheat: when
used to produce biopolymers, these are classified as non food crops.
These can be converted in the following pathways:
• Sugar beet > Glyconic acid > Polyglonic acid
• Starch > (fermentation) > Lactic acid > Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Biomass > (fermentation) > Bioethanol > Ethene > Polyethylene
• Many types of packaging can be made from biopolymers: food trays,
blown starch pellets for shipping fragile goods, thin films for wrapping.

16.  controlled and novel drug delivery By N.K. Jain ,Page
no. 27-51
 Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology Anwunobi and Emeje
J Nanotechnol 2011,S4
 U. Prakash, L. Singh and V. Sharma, Int. Res. J. Pharm.,
4(4), 35 (2013)
 Products and application of bioploymers
Edited by Casparus Johannes Reinhard Verbeek ,Page
no.117-119