Synthetic polymers as biomaterials for the treatment of colon diseases

Abstract

There are several colon disorders such as colorectal cancer, colonic polyps, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome caused by imbalance diet, more alcohol consumption, smoking, and daily lifestyle. Treatment for colonic diseases varies greatly depending on the disease and its severity. Treatment may involve diet, medicines, and in some cases, surgery. Additionally, there are several dosage forms such as solids and injectables commercially available to treat colonic diseases. Therefore the synthetic polymers and their formulations have much attention in the modern era to treat colonic diseases. It protects the drug from degradation and allows site-specific delivery of the dosage form. The selection of polymer is important to enhance the site-specific in vivo behavior of the dosage form. The desired properties of the colon drug delivery system can be achieved by using few synthetic polymers either alone or in combination. It has been identified that polymers are the key functional ingredients in the treatment of colonic disorders and can potentially influence the protection of the drug in harsh conditions, rate of release, absorption of drugs, and so on. Different polymers are being used to treat colonic disorders, which work by different mechanisms. These include: 1.pH-dependent polymer [Eudragit, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP)];2.Erodible or swellable polymers [hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC)];3.Water-insoluble polymers (ethyl cellulose);4.Bacterially triggered polymers (pectin, chitosan, cyclodextrin)5.Biodegradable polymers (PLGA, diblock polymer etc). © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.