Biomedical applications of polyelectrolytes

Polyelectrolytes are used in a variety of biomedical systems, including dental adhesives and restorations; controlled release devices; polymeric drugs, prodrugs, and adjuvants; and biocompatible materials. This article provides a review of biomedical applications of polyelectrolytes with emphasis on recent developments. For completeness, an overview of the methods for polyelectrolyte synthesis is provided along with a description of the unique properties of polyelectrolyte solutions, gels, and complexes which make them useful in biomedical applications. The discussion of dental materials focuses on the recent developments in glass-ionomer cements and novel organic polyelectrolyte adhesives since these materials are replacing the traditional zinc carboxylates. The section on controlled release applications includes a brief overview of recent developments in the mature areas of coatings, matrices and binders; and provides more in-depth discussions of the advanced responsive, bioadhesive, and liposomal systems that have emerged in recent years. Finally, descriptions of the recent work in polyelectrolytes as biocompatible materials as well as drugs or prodrugs are provided.