Polymeric Coatings for Drug Delivery by Medical Devices

An analysis of the current landscape of therapeutics and delivery methods was conducted, aiming the field of drug delivery systems. Drug delivery biodistribution characteristics should be systematically understood, in order to maximize the function of these delivery systems. As a result, this review covers a history of the drug delivery systems, as well as the basic terminology associated with them, with a focus on the usage of polymers in the drug administration systems (particularly in form of coatings) and their application. New trends in nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems, primarily for cancer treatment, were presented, involving a technology designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy of drugs by controlling their biodistribution profile. There is a justified need to investigate drug delivery systems in form of thin films because, in comparation to bulk drug delivery system, which have a long and comprehensive history, there is still insufficient and fragmented understanding about the delivery of thin polymeric films, with research limited in general to very specific cases. Our efforts have been concentrated on these specifically polymeric drug delivery systems in the form of coatings. Understanding the dynamic changes that occur in a biodegradable polymeric thin film can aid in the prediction of the future performance of synthesized films designed to be used as implantable medical devices. Extensive research is required to continuously develop new therapeutic systems in order to achieve an optimal concentration of a specific drug at its site of action for an appropriate duration.