HYDROGEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS BASED ON POLYMER BLENDS, BLOCK-COPOLYMERS OR INTERPENETRATING NETWORKS

Heterogeneous hydrogels derived from polymer mixtures, segmented co-polymers, or interpenetrating polymer networks, have been investigated for drug delivery. In many cases, these hydrogels demonstrate micro- or macrophase separated structures. The practical and expected properties from these hydrogels for drug delivery application are: (1) new release mechanisms for improved release kinetics; (2) processability (heat process or solution casting); (3) biodegradation; (4) biocompatibility; (5) improved mechanical properties; and (6) additional functionality. By combining the physicochemical properties of each component in the heterogeneous hydrogels, matrices can be tailored to optimize drug release based on drug properties, dose, and pharmacokinetic parameters. Further research will provide more imformation explaining release mechanism, degradation, mechanical properties, etc.