Research and Review of Polymethyl-methacrylate Copolymers in the Development of Enhanced Pharmaceutical Delivery Systems

The following thesis shall primarily explore the current research regarding the implementation of modifiable microscopic and nanoscopic polymer particles as novel pharmaceutical delivery systems. Polymethacrylate-based copolymers, such as EudragitTM, are sensitive to alterations in pH levels, becoming increasingly more soluble in response to an increase in pH. The selective solubility and modifiable nature of these polymers allows for greater flexibility of treatment options for patients (Patra et al., 2017).

The wide range of functionality of polymethacrylate (PMA) may provide solutions to challenges relating to the current treatment and therapy of certain conditions. Research indicates that PMA based micro- and nanoparticle polymer excipients may preserve oral insulin in the treatment of diabetes, act as superior carriers for the therapy of colonic cancer, and target colonic regions in patients for stable, sustained release of medication in the treatment of IBD and its symptoms (Bettencourt & Almeida, 2015).

Additionally, an overview of the research performed at Liberty University’s Department of Biology and Chemistry in this field under the direction of Michael Korn, Ph. D will be reviewed. The research focused on the experimental activities relating to the synthesis and analysis of the basic characteristics of Eudragit S100 polymer microspheres. Specifically, the constructed microdroplets were visualized via fluorescent microscopy in an attempt to develop microscopic polymeric particles that could be compared to those being developed in industry.  Access the full thesis here

Research and Review of Polymethyl-methacrylate Copolymers in the Development of Enhanced Pharmaceutical Delivery Systems
by Jacob A. Dyess A Senior Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation
in the Honors Program –  Liberty University Spring 2020

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