Styrenic block copolymers for biomaterial and drug delivery applications

The use of styrenic block copolymers has undergone a renaissance as a biomaterial and drug delivery matrix. The early promise posed by the physical and biological properties of these block copolymers for implantable medical devices was not met. However, there has been an increased understanding of the role of microphase separation on the mediation of the biological response. Poly (styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer has critical enabling properties related to processing, vascular compatibility and biostability that has resulted in its use as the matrix for paclitaxel delivery from Boston Scientific's TAXUS™ coronary stent. These enabling properties will allow the continuing development of medical devices based on SIBS that meet demanding physical and biological requirements.