SCAFFOLDS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL USE: A REVIEW

Scaffolds are 3 dimensional structures that are used as implants or injects which are used to deliver drugs, cells, genes into body. A scaffold provides a suitable substrate for cell attachment, cell proliferation, cell migration and differential function. Scaffold matrices are highly efficient in drug delivery especially targeted drug delivery. The fabrication of scaffolds is done by using the biomaterials like alginates, proteins, collagens, gelatine, fibrins and albumins. Some synthetic materials like polyvinyl alcohol and polyglycolide are also used. Their application of late has extended to delivery of drugs and genetic materials, including plasmid DNA, at a controlled rate over a long period of time. In addition, the incorporation of drugs (i.e., inflammatory inhibitors and/or antibiotics) into scaffolds may be used to prevent infection after surgery and other disease for longer duration. The present review gives a detailed account of the need for the development of scaffolds along with the materials used and techniques adopted for the manufacture of scaffolds for prolonged rug delivery.