Polymeric Prodrugs Overview

A complex molecule formed by linking many smaller repeated units called monomers.

Polymers produced by living organisms, like cellulose, starch, proteins, and DNA.

A drug attached to a polymer carrier to improve its properties and delivery.

The advantage of polymeric prodrugs that makes them more soluble in water, increasing the amount of drug that reaches the target site.

The advantage of polymeric prodrugs that protects the drug from degradation and keeps it active longer.

The advantage of polymeric prodrugs that allows them to specifically target the site where they need to act.

The ability of some polymers to break down in the body, releasing the drug at the right time and place.

A polymer that does not break down in the body, used for long-term drug release.

A drug molecule that has low solubility, is unstable, toxic, or doesn't easily enter cells.

Some examples of polymeric prodrugs in clinical use, showing the practical application of this technology.

A large molecule that acts as a vehicle for carrying the drug. It can be either biocompatible and break down in the body or an inert material that remains intact longer.

A molecule attached to the polymer backbone that helps release the active drug at the target site. It can be hydrolyzed or broken down by enzymes.

A substance that helps guide the prodrug to its target site. It can recognize specific receptors or cells.

A molecule that allows the drug to be tracked within the body. This can be helpful for monitoring its delivery and efficacy.

A chemical reaction where a polymer is modified to attach a biomolecule. It involves functional groups on both the polymer and the biomolecule.

A common method for attaching drugs to polymers. It involves reacting an amine group on the drug with an NHS ester on the polymer.

An approach for designing polymeric prodrugs that considers the chemical nature, biodegradability, origin, and molecular weight of the polymer used.

The controlled release of the active drug from the polymeric prodrug, either by hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation.

The potential to change how a drug is distributed in the body or how cells take it up. This can be achieved by using cell-specific or non-specific uptake enhancers.

A process that involves attaching a synthetic polymer, such as PEG, to a protein drug. This modification can have several benefits.

The ability of a drug to treat a disease effectively without causing harmful side effects. A higher therapeutic index means the drug is more effective and safer.

A chemical group that can react with other molecules. Common examples include -COOH (carboxyl), -OH (hydroxyl), -SH (sulfhydryl), and -NH2 (amino).

A method of forming a bond between two molecules by using a chemical agent to help facilitate the reaction. This can be used in protein drug conjugation to attach the polymer to the protein.

A type of bond where two molecules are linked through sharing of electrons. These bonds are strong and can be stable in the body.

A type of prodrug where the drug is attached to a carrier molecule that can be broken down inside cells to release the active drug. This allows targeted delivery and controlled release.

A type of prodrug where two or more substances are combined, and they react under specific conditions inside the cell to form the active drug. This allows for controlled release based on specific cellular environments.

A system that can deliver a drug specifically to a desired target, such as an organ, cell, or even an organelle within a cell. This allows for precise drug delivery and reduced side effects.

A substance that is inactive on its own but can be converted into an active drug when it reaches the target location. This allows for controlled drug release and reduced side effects.