Polymers in Functional Foods and Drugs

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.