Biomedical Applications of Polyphosphazene Polymers of

CUET PG 2025

The biomedical applications of polyphosphazene polymers are:

1. As structural materials for the construction of heart valves and blood vessels.
2. They are used in drug delivery systems.
3. Biodegradable support for in vivo bone regeneration.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) (1) and (2) only
• (B) (2) and (3) only
• (C) (1) (2) and (3)
• (D) (1) and (3) only

Correct Answer: (C) (1), (2) and (3)

Explanation:

Polyphosphazenes are a versatile class of hybrid polymers with an inorganic backbone of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms. Their biomedical importance stems from the ability to tune their properties by attaching different organic side groups:

• Structural Materials: Hydrophobic polyphosphazenes (like those with fluoroalkoxy groups) are chemically inert and biocompatible, making them excellent for blood-contacting devices like heart valves and artificial blood vessels.
• Drug Delivery: Water-soluble or amphiphilic polyphosphazenes can form micelles or hydrogels. They are used to encapsulate drugs, allowing for controlled and targeted delivery.
• Tissue Engineering: Certain derivatives (like those with amino acid ester side groups) are biodegradable. As they erode into non-toxic byproducts (phosphates and ammonia), they serve as temporary scaffolds for bone regeneration and regrowth.