Preface
Downloaded by 108.63.14.146 on November 27, 2015 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: May 5, 1994 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1994-0545.pr001
C O N T R O L L E D D R U G D E L I V E R Y is a well-established, multidisciplinary
area of science and technology. N e w advanced polymeric systems allow one to administer drugs to the target site at the desired concentration. T h e therapeutic level of the drug at the dysfunction site can be sustained over a prolonged period of time, resulting i n enhanced drug efficacy and improved patient compliance. This technique minimizes potential drug toxicity, protects other organs against possible side effects, and improves treatment safety i n general. Polymeric materials are an intrinsic part of drug delivery systems designed for controlled drug release. The versatility of polymer applications i n medicine is reflected i n this book. The chapters touch u p o n the use of polymer-based systems i n oncology, for treatment of inflammatory processes and diabetes, for prevention of gastric ulcers, and for management of central nervous system conditions. F r o m the standpoint of the properties of polymeric materials, this book provides discussions o n bioelastic characteristics, micelle formation, hydrogels, and drug release based o n the electric properties of polymers. Polymer degradation via different routes such as dissolution, erosion, enzyme degradation, and photodegradation makes these materials particularly suitable for drug delivery devices. Theoretical aspects for designing drug delivery systems are represented by computer simulations of interactions between polymer matrices and solvents. In summary, this volume gives a broad view of the latest advances i n medicinal applications of polymers. This book should be of interest to specialists involved i n this exciting area of research. I greatly appreciate the efforts of my assistant, Natasha Fadeeva. H e r understanding of the field and her organizational skills were invaluable throughout the production of this book. R A P H A E L M. OTTENBRITE
Department of Chemistry Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23284-2006 R E C E I V E D August 23, 1993
ix
In Polymeric Drugs and Drug Administration; Ottenbrite, R.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1994.
