Bala Prabhakar

A simple, precise and stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of anti-retroviral drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir. The separation was achieved on AgilentC8, 150mm* 4.6 ,5µ  column with isocratic flow. The mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5ml consisted of 0.05M Potassium Dihydrogen Orthophosphate buffer and Acetonitrile: MeOH in the ratio of (80:20).The ratio of buffer: organic is (45:55).The UV detection was carried  out at 210nm. The method was successfully validated in accordance to ICH guidelines. This method was then used to study the stability aspects of both the drugs when subjected to acidic, alkaline, thermal and photo degradation condition.

Polymers have been used as a main tool to control the drug release rate from the formulations. Extensive applications of polymers in drug delivery have been realized because polymers offer unique properties which so far have not been attained by any other materials. Advances in polymer science have led to the development of several novel drug-delivery systems. A proper consideration of surface and bulk properties can aid in the designing of polymers for various drug-delivery applications. These newer technological developments include drug modification by chemical means, carrier based drug delivery and drug entrapment in polymeric matrices or within pumps that are placed in desired bodily compartments. These technical development in drug delivery/targeting approaches improve the efficacy of drug therapy thereby improve human health. Polymer chemists and chemical engineers, pharmaceutical scientists are engaged in bringing out design predictable, controlled delivery of bio active agents. Biodegradable polymers have been widely used in biomedical applications because of their known biocompatibility and biodegradability. In general natural polymers offer fewer advantages than synthetic polymers. The following review presents an overview of the different biodegradable polymers that are currently being used, their properties, as well as new developments in their applications.