Protein release from polyphosphazene matrices

Polyphosphazenes have been exploited as carriers for protein delivery due to versatility of molecular structures and sophisticated spectrum of chemical and physical properties. Ease of structural manipulations for this class of organometallic polymers allows efficient control over physico-chemical parameters of polyphosphazenes including their biodegradability and matrix permeability. Some polyphosphazenes offer additional advantages as protein delivery vehicles since microencapsulation of substrates in these systems can be achieved under remarkably mild physiological conditions. Because of these properties polyphosphazenes have tremendous potential as matrices for protein release as shown by studies both in vitro and in vivo. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.