Innovations in Polymers and Polymer Composites for Transdermal Micromolecule and Macromolecule Delivery

The application of polymers and their composites in designing delivery systems has revolutionized targeted delivery of therapeutics across the skin compartments. These smart biomaterials have the potential to support innovative and painless delivery of small and large molecules in a controlled manner because they are fabricated to circumvent critical barrier systems of the skin like the stratum corneum. Advanced delivery systems including stimuli-sensitive polymers, polymeric patches, polymer-lipid hybrid systems, and polymeric microneedles, have improved the efficiency of transdermal delivery of macro- and micro- molecules. The systems enhance the acceptability and bioavailability of entrapped therapeutic molecules with excellent compliance rating by eliminating the pain and discomfort related to conventional injection-based drug administration. In addition to shielding large and small molecules from hepatic enzymatic degradation, biodegradable polymers and their composites like polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), etc. modify the distribution and release mechanisms of these therapeutic agents.Polymers and polymeric composites have transformed transdermal drug delivery by providing minimally invasive, painless, and controlled-release alternatives to hypodermic injections. These materials are specially designed to bypass or temporarily alter the stratum corneum, the tough outer barrier of the skin, to deliver both small (micromolecule) and large (macromolecule) therapeutics, such as proteins, peptides, and RNA. Innovations in polymers and polymeric composites for transdermal drug delivery focus on overcoming the stratum corneum to safely administer large macromolecules e.g., proteins, RNA, peptides and micromolecules. These innovations include synthesizing polymeric microneedles, polymeric nanoparticles, stimuli-sensitive polymeric systems, conductive polymer composites, and matrix-based polymeric patches. Through the innovations, these biomaterials offer controlled release kinetics, high drug-loading capacity, and superior mechanical durability for painless, localized, or systemic administration.The research topic is concerned with high quality scientific works related to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of polymers and polymeric composites used for transdermal delivery. It covers all aspects of polymer and polymer composites synthesis, functionalization, and transformation for gene therapy, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Research topics accepted include original papers, review articles, technical communication, and research insights on the following themes: novel synthesis of polymers, engineering polymers with biological relevance, biomedical applications, polymeric bio-nanocomposites, controlled polymers, precision polymers, membrane applications of polymers, bioavailability, and image-guided therapy. Topic editors: Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Umeyor, Thiago Frances Guimarães, Popat S. Kumbhar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84920/innovations-in-polymers-and-polymer-composites-for-transdermal-micromolecule-and-macromolecule-delivery