Polymers in Functional Foods and Drugs: Chemistry and Essential Applications

Master the cutting-edge intersection of polymers and medicine with this essential guide, offering both a theoretical understanding and practical applications for innovative drug and food product development.

Polymers are showing promise as a solution in a number of fields, including pharmaceuticals, medicine, diagnostics, medical devices, and biotechnology. In the development of drug products, polymers play an important role in nano-formulation development. Also, polymers contribute significantly to functional foods, nutraceuticals, and nutritional supplements. They are used as preservatives, enhancing the shelf life of foods, supplements, and herbal nutraceutical products.

This book provides readers with a theoretical understanding and practical applications of polymers in new drug discovery and food product development. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from fundamental principles and concepts to applications, discussing natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic polymeric materials. The chapters explore in-depth applications in medical devices, implants, nanosponges, and biological delivery systems, all of which are increasingly important in today’s industry. Discussions on specialized topics, such as natural micropolymers in functional foods and dietary supplements, makes this an essential guide for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the current trends in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.

Readers will find the book:

• Comprehensively covers natural polymers and their applications in controlled drug delivery;
• Encompasses interdisciplinary science around polymers in functional food;
• Explores the delivery of drugs in the current practice of using synthetic polymers.

Audience

Researchers, scientists, and industry experts working with polymers in the field of pharmaceuticals medicine, diagnostics, medical devices, biotechnology, and nutrition.

Balakumar Chandrasekaran, PhD is a Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan. He has published more than 80 papers, authored 23 book chapters, edited two books and three journal issues as a guest editor, and holds nine international patents. His research focuses on pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, drug design, AI in pharmacy, and antimicrobials.

Mohammad F. Bayan, PhD is Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics in the faculty of Pharmacy at Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan and is currently the Head of Pharmacy Department. His major focus of research involves the development of controlled and triggered drug delivery systems using advanced and novel technologies. His work also involves organic synthesis, synthesis, characterization of polymeric smart materials and performing drug release studies. He is an author of more than 50 publications and received funding from national and international grants.