Polymeric implants with drug-releasing capabilities: a mapping review of laboratory research

• Published in: Drug development and industrial pharmacy Vol. 47; no. 10; pp. 1535 - 1545
• Main Authors: Ferrari, Gustavo, Thives Mello, Arthur, Melo, Gilberto, de Mello Roesler, Carlos Rodrigo, Salmoria, Gean Vitor, de Souza Pinto, Luiz Paulo, de Mello Gindri, Izabelle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.10.2021
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Ciprofloxacin; Cross-Sectional Studies; drug delivery; drug delivery system; Drug Implants; drug release; in-vitro; in-vitro release; Multimorbidity; polymeric; Polymers; Solvents; in-vitro; polymeric; drug delivery; drug delivery system; drug release; Polymers; in-vitro release
• ISSN: 0363-9045; 1520-5762
• DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2022.2043354

To provide a systematic map of the nature and extent of preclinical research concerning drug-releasing polymeric implants. By summarizing available data, this mapping review can guide the development of new drug-delivery devices. In-vitro studies assessing drug-delivery implants were reviewed. A study protocol was registered at Open Science Framework. The association of polymers with prominent drugs, manufacturing processes, geometries, treatments, and anatomical locations was assessed using the VOSviewer software. The release periods were also evaluated. A total of 423 articles, published between 1975 and 2020, were included and grouped into a framework with nine main categories. More than half of studies were published between 2010 and 2020. Among 201 individual polymers or combinations, the most investigated were PLGA, PCL, PLA, Silicone (SIL), EVA, and PU. Similarly, from 232 individual drugs or combinations, the most prominent were dexamethasone (DEX; anti-inflammatory), paclitaxel (PTX; anticancer), fluoruracil (anticancer), ciprofloxacin (CFX) hydrochloride (antibiotic), and gentamicin (GS; antibiotic). A total of 51 manufacturing processes were encountered, of which the most reported were solvent evaporation, compression molding (CM), extrusion (EX), electrospinning (ELS), and melt molding (MM). Among 38 implant geometries, cylinder (CIL) was the most prominent, followed by disk, square film, circular film (FCIR), and undefined film. Release times varied greatly, although the majority of articles ranged between 5 and 300 d. Drug-delivery implants were highly heterogeneous due to its applicability for multiple health conditions. Most implants were made of PLGA and most drugs assessed presented anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, or anticancer effects. Solvent evaporation and CIL were the most prominent manufacturing process and geometry, respectively.