Functional Hydrogels in Drug Delivery: Key Features and Future Perspectives

The book focuses on the synthesis and characterization of hydrogels for drug delivery systems, with recent updates on starting materials and improved properties for specific uses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the intricate process of synthesizing and characterizing hydrogels, specifically designed for use as drug delivery systems. Within its pages, readers are presented with the most recent advancements in the selection of starting materials and the enhancement of their physicochemical and biological properties to create highly effective carriers tailored for specific applications.

The first chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles governing hydrogel synthesis, including their chemical composition, structure, and properties. It explores the various methods employed to tailor the hydrogel's properties, such as cross-linking techniques, polymerization methods, and surface modification strategies. The chapter also highlights the importance of selecting suitable starting materials for drug delivery, considering factors such as biocompatibility, degradation rate, and drug release characteristics.

The second chapter focuses on the characterization of hydrogels, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. It discusses the techniques used to evaluate the hydrogel's swelling behavior, water content, pH stability, and drug release kinetics. The chapter also explores the role of hydrogels in drug delivery, including their ability to enhance drug solubility, control drug release, and protect therapeutics from degradation.

In the third chapter, the book explores the application of hydrogels in various drug delivery systems, such as controlled release formulations, sustained release systems, and targeted drug delivery. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system and highlights the challenges associated with developing hydrogel-based drug delivery platforms. The chapter also provides examples of hydrogels used in clinical applications, such as wound dressing, drug delivery to the eye, and controlled release of pharmaceutical agents.

The fourth chapter focuses on the development of hydrogels with specific properties for drug delivery. It discusses the use of biodegradable polymers, stimuli-responsive polymers, and nanocomposites to enhance the hydrogel's properties and improve its drug delivery capabilities. The chapter also explores the use of hydrogels in combination with other drug delivery technologies, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and gene therapy, to enhance the efficacy of drug treatment.

The fifth chapter explores the future prospects of hydrogels in drug delivery. It discusses the ongoing research and development efforts in the field, including the use of hydrogels in personalized medicine, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. The chapter also highlights the potential applications of hydrogels in other fields, such as food packaging, environmental remediation, and energy storage.

In conclusion, the book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of hydrogels as drug delivery systems. It covers the synthesis, characterization, and application of hydrogels in various drug delivery systems, and highlights the potential of hydrogels in improving drug treatment outcomes. The book is an invaluable resource for researchers, scientists, and clinicians interested in developing innovative drug delivery platforms and advancing the field of medicine.
The book delves into the intricate process of synthesizing and characterizing hydrogels, specifically designed for use as drug delivery systems. Within its pages, readers are presented with the most recent advancements in the selection of starting materials and the enhancement of their physicochemical and biological properties to create highly effective carriers tailored for specific applications.

The first chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles governing hydrogel synthesis, including their chemical composition, structure, and properties. It explores the various methods employed to tailor the hydrogel's properties, such as cross-linking techniques, polymerization methods, and surface modification strategies. The chapter also highlights the importance of selecting suitable starting materials for drug delivery, considering factors such as biocompatibility, degradation rate, and drug release characteristics.

The second chapter focuses on the characterization of hydrogels, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. It discusses the techniques used to evaluate the hydrogel's swelling behavior, water content, pH stability, and drug release kinetics. The chapter also explores the role of hydrogels in drug delivery, including their ability to enhance drug solubility, control drug release, and protect therapeutics from degradation.

In the third chapter, the book explores the application of hydrogels in various drug delivery systems, such as controlled release formulations, sustained release systems, and targeted drug delivery. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system and highlights the challenges associated with developing hydrogel-based drug delivery platforms. The chapter also provides examples of hydrogels used in clinical applications, such as wound dressing, drug delivery to the eye, and controlled release of pharmaceutical agents.

The fourth chapter focuses on the development of hydrogels with specific properties for drug delivery. It discusses the use of biodegradable polymers, stimuli-responsive polymers, and nanocomposites to enhance the hydrogel's properties and improve its drug delivery capabilities. The chapter also explores the use of hydrogels in combination with other drug delivery technologies, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and gene therapy, to enhance the efficacy of drug treatment.

The fifth chapter explores the future prospects of hydrogels in drug delivery. It discusses the ongoing research and development efforts in the field, including the use of hydrogels in personalized medicine, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. The chapter also highlights the potential applications of hydrogels in other fields, such as food packaging, environmental remediation, and energy storage.

In conclusion, the book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of hydrogels as drug delivery systems. It covers the synthesis, characterization, and application of hydrogels in various drug delivery systems, and highlights the potential of hydrogels in improving drug treatment outcomes. The book is an invaluable resource for researchers, scientists, and clinicians interested in developing innovative drug delivery platforms and advancing the field of medicine.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367782023