Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
as Nanomedicines
Hemda Baabur-Cohen,* Liora Omer,* and Ronit
Satchi-Fainaro
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine,
Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
ronitsf@post.tau.ac.il
The term Polymer Therapeutics is defined as water-soluble
biocompatible polymers that can function as bioactive nanomedicines,
or as nanocarriers conjugated with therapeutic agents, i.e., low-
molecular-weight drugs, proteins or nucleic acids. The therapeutic
agent is loaded onto the polymeric nanocarrier either by conjugation
or by supramolecular complexation. Here we present an overview of
polymer therapeutics with a focus on the components and structure of
these nanoscale delivery systems. Examples of their utilization in cancer
and other angiogenesis-dependent diseases treatment are given.
4.1 Introduction
In 1975, Helmut Ringsdorf presented his idea regarding the use
of polymers as targetable drug carriers [1]. He foresaw the basic
* These authors contributed equally.
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