Cationic Polymers in Drug Delivery

Abstract

Polycations constitute an important group of polymeric materials widely used in the construction of novel drug delivery systems. The positive charge of these compounds renders them highly soluble in aqueous media and allows for strong electrostatic interactions of these polymers with anionic substances, including drugs and substances contained in the body (proteins and nucleic acids, in particular) as well as negatively charged anatomical structures (e.g., cell membranes, glycocalix or mucosa). A wide spectrum of delivery systems containing polycations has been recently developed and studied, including polyelectrolyte complexes, nano- and microparticles, injectable hydrogels, liposomes and micelles. Cationic polymers are also intensively used as penetration enhancers and release triggers. In this chapter the recent developments in the application of polycations for delivery of various therapeutic agents are summarized and discussed. The potential problems related to their potential cytotoxicity and the possible ways of eliminating unwanted side effects are also presented.

Nonclinical Evaluation of Novel Cationically Modified Polysaccharide Antidotes for Unfractionated Heparin

“…We showed here these negative data, because they may be valuable for others to exclude these compounds from their in vivo studies, even in different areas of application. For example, cationic polymers have been applied as gene carriers in nonviral gene therapy [ 48 ] and as drug delivery systems [ 49 ]; their potential use as anticancer drugs has also been suggested [ 50 ]. Moreover, a hydrogel containing GTMAC-modified polysaccharide can be applied to cell encapsulation and protein delivery [ 51 , 52 ].…”