Bioresorbable polymers are transforming the way we deliver medications to the human body. By acting as a carrier for therapeutic agents, they enable a sustained and controlled release of a drug over an extended period. This revolutionary approach has significant advantages over traditional methods, such as repeated injections or oral medications, leading to improved patient compliance, enhanced efficacy, and reduced side effects. The concept is simple yet powerful: a single implant or injection can provide a steady dose of medicine for weeks or months, ensuring the drug is present at the right concentration for the required duration.

The key to this application is the ability to precisely control the polymer's degradation rate. A drug can be encapsulated within a polymer matrix, and as the polymer slowly breaks down through hydrolysis, the drug is released. The rate of this release is determined by the polymer's chemical structure, its molecular weight, and the way the drug is incorporated. For example, a more porous polymer matrix will allow a drug to diffuse out faster, while a denser matrix will lead to a slower, more sustained release. By carefully designing the polymer and the drug's formulation, a wide range of release profiles can be achieved, from a rapid initial burst to a near-constant release over several months.

One of the most successful examples of this technology is the use of PLGA microspheres for sustained drug delivery. PLGA, with its tunable degradation rate, is an ideal material for this application. Tiny microspheres containing a drug can be injected into the body, where they act as a depot, slowly releasing the medication over time. This approach has been used for long-acting contraceptives, psychiatric medications, and to deliver growth factors to promote tissue regeneration. The benefit is clear: a patient no longer needs to remember to take a daily pill, and the drug's concentration remains within a therapeutic window, avoiding the peaks and troughs associated with other methods.

Bioresorbable polymers growth are also being used to create targeted drug delivery systems. In this approach, the polymer is designed to release a drug directly at the site of injury or disease. For instance, a bioresorbable stent can be coated with a polymer that releases an anti-restenosis drug directly into the artery wall, preventing the vessel from re-narrowing. This localized delivery minimizes the amount of drug that circulates throughout the body, thereby reducing systemic side effects. In cancer treatment, biodegradable implants can be placed directly into a tumor to deliver a high dose of chemotherapy over time, sparing healthy tissues from the drug's toxic effects. This targeted and controlled release is a game-changer for medicine, and it is a testament to the power of bioresorbable polymers to not only heal the body but also to deliver the tools it needs to heal itself.