BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS WITH A PHOSPHOR YL-CONTAINING BACKBONE: TISSUE ENGINEERING AND CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY APPLICATIONS

摘要

This review provides a glimpse of the potential of the biodegradable phos-phoryl-containing polymers in medical applications. Undoubtedly these polymers possess unique properties that are yet to be fully understood. Many areas warrant further investigation and much optimization remains to be done. The fascinating chemistry of phosphorus poses interesting hurdles but at the same time leaves ample room for polymer scientists to exercise their creativity in designing interesting biomaterials. As the mutual understanding between basic and clinical scientists on the need of medical devices and the capabilities of these new biomaterials expands, imaginative application of new biomaterials to other medical applications can be expected.