polymer & Their application, Advantages and Disadvantages of polymer

1. POLYMER
SAMARTH COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, DEULGAON RAJA
DIST BULDHANA

2. What is Polymer

3. Polymers are compounds with high molecular masses formed by monomers.
The word poly means ‘many’ and meros means ‘units or parts’

4. Monomer (Small molecules)
mono → single
mer → single part
Polymer (Large molecules)
poly → many
mer → single part
(Greek) “Macromolecules”

5. WHY POLYMER ?
• Pharmaceutically these polymers are used as a binder in tablets, flow controlling agents in
liquids, suspensions and emulsions.
• As film coating agents to mask unpleasant taste of drug, protective and stabilizing agents.
• The goal in designing sustained release drug delivery system is to reduce frequency of dosing, to
increase the effectiveness of the drug at the required site thereby minimizing or eliminating side
effects, providing uniform drug delivery.

6. THREE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF POLYMER
a. Localized delivery of drug : The product can be implanted directly at the site where drug action is needed
and hence systemic exposure of the drug can be reduced. Especially for toxic drugs which are related to
various systemic side effects.
b. Sustained delivery of drug : The drug encapsulated is released over extended period and hence eliminates
the need for multiple injections. This feature can improve patient compliance especially for drugs for chronic
indications, requiring frequent injection.
c. Stabilization of the drug : The polymer can protect the drug from the physiological environment and hence
improve its stability in vivo. This feature makes this technology attractive for the delivery of labile drugs like
proteins1 .

7. CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMER
Based on
nature
Based on
source
Based on
propertie
s
Based on
structure
Based on
polymeriz
ation
Based on
degradabi
lity
classification

8. Based on source
Natural
Synthetics
Semi-
synthetic
Protein , cellulose , resin , rubber ,
gelatin , albumin etc
Nylon , Polysterylin , Teflon
Polyethylene, polypropylene ,
polyanhydride etc.

9. Based on polymerization
Addition polymerization
Condensation polymerization
Polyethylene , polypropylene,
polyvinyl chloride, etc.
Polyester, polyamide,
polyuretherene. etc

10. Based on degradability
biodegradable
Non
degradable
Polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, nylon
Ethyl cellulose, polydimethyl siloxane

11. Based on Nature
Water soluble
Water insoluble
Chitosan , xanthum gum ,
cellulose derivative
Ethyl cellulose, polydimethyl
siloxane

12. Based on structure
Linear
Chain
Cross linked
PVC, polyester, polyethylene
Polypropylene, glycogen
Vulcanize rubber

13. Characteristics of ideal polymer
• Should be inert and compatible with environment
• Should be non toxic
• Should be easily administered
• Should have good mechanical strength
• Should be biodegradable and biocompatible

14. Advantages / Disadvantages
Advantages of polymer
• Localised delivery of drug
• Sustained delivery of drug
• Decrease in dosing frequency
• Reduce side effect
• Improve patient compliance
• Biodegradable and biocompatible
Disadvantages of polymer
• Exhibit dose dumping effect
• High initial drug release after administration
• Low mechanical properties