Biodegradable polymers: A sustainable approach to colon drug delivery

Biodegradable polymers have emerged as a promising solution for colon-specific drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to degrade into non-toxic by-products. This review examines the advancements in biodegradable polymers, particularly their application in colon drug delivery systems. The natural process of biodegradation involves converting complex organic compounds into simpler molecules, which are then assimilated into elemental cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur cycles. This property makes biodegradable polymers ideal for temporary medical applications, including sutures, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery devices. Using biodegradable polymers in drug delivery eliminates the need for surgical removal of the device post-treatment, enhancing patient compliance and reducing medical costs. Despite the vast array of biodegradable polymers available, only a select few meet the stringent requirements for drug delivery applications, including biocompatibility, processability, sterilizability, and storage stability. These polymers degrade into biologically acceptable molecules that are metabolized and excreted through normal metabolic pathways, minimizing adverse reactions. Factors influencing the biodegradation of polymers include chemical structure, composition, molecular weight, morphology, and environmental conditions. Both natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers are being investigated for their potential in drug delivery, with ongoing research aimed at improving their long-term biocompatibility and mechanical properties. This review highlights the critical role of biodegradable polymers in advancing colon-specific drug delivery, addressing current challenges, and exploring future prospects.