Polymers used in pharmaceutical industry for oral delivery: insight to synthesis, structure–activity relationship, and recent applications

For a long time, polymers have played a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry for developing safe, effective, and deliverable dosage forms. Among all the dosage forms oral dosage form remains the most widely used, prescribed, and produced ones. The present review articles comprehensively describe various natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers used to prepare oral solid dosage forms. Along with describing a method for isolation and preparation of all the polymers, this article also explains in detail the key physicochemical properties that make them suitable for the particular dosage form. The article specifically deals with the formulation of conventional tablets, sustained-release matrix tablets, solid dispersions, and other miscellaneous dosage forms such as microspheres and oral gels. Furthermore, the article also provides a detailed discussion of the factors that influence the selection of the appropriate polymer and formulation method. This review article is expected to be a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry who are interested in using polymers for developing effective and safe oral solid dosage forms.