Biomaterials applications of cyclic polymers. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golba, Bianka; Benetti, Edmondo M.; De Geest, Bruno G.
• Is Part Of: Biomaterials. Volume 267(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Cyclic polymers -- Polymer topology -- Biodistribution -- Pharmacokinetics -- Drug delivery -- Gene delivery -- Biointerfaces; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biocompatible Materials -- Periodicals; Biomatériaux -- Périodiques; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9612

Abstract

Abstract: Cyclic polymers are an intriguing class of polymers due to their lack of chain ends. This unique architecture combined with steric constraints adorn cyclic polymers as well as nano-, micro- and macro-scale materials containing cyclic polymers with distinctive physicochemical properties which can have a profound effect on the performance of these materials in a wide range of applications. Within a biomedical context, biomaterials based on cyclic polymers have shown very distinct properties in terms of biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, drug/gene delivery efficiency and surface activity. This review summarizes the applications of cyclic polymers in the field of biomaterials and highlights their potential in the biomedical field as well as addressing future challenges in this area. Graphical abstract: Image 1