Introduction: Pharmaceutical polymers play a central role in formulation science, encompassing classification, physicochemical properties, and applications in drug delivery. For B.Pharm students, understanding natural, semi‑synthetic and synthetic polymers, plus key properties—molecular weight, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallinity, hydrophilicity, biodegradability and mucoadhesion—is essential. Polymer characterization techniques (GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, viscometry) and examples such as HPMC, PEG, PVP, Eudragit and PLGA illustrate how polymer choice influences drug release, stability and biocompatibility. This focused review links classification with functional properties and regulatory considerations to prepare you for practical formulation problems. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which classification correctly groups pharmaceutical polymers based on origin?
- Natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic
- Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, amphiphilic
- Cationic, anionic, non-ionic
- Thermoplastic, thermosetting, elastomeric
Correct Answer: Natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic
Q2. Which property primarily determines polymer chain mobility and physical state near room temperature?
- Glass transition temperature (Tg)
- Molecular weight distribution
- Crystallinity index
- Biodegradability
Correct Answer: Glass transition temperature (Tg)
Q3. Which technique is most appropriate for determining polymer molecular weight distribution?
- Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) / size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
Correct Answer: Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) / size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
Q4. Mark‑Houwink equation relates intrinsic viscosity to which polymer characteristic?
- Molecular weight
- Tg
- Crystallinity
- Charge density
Correct Answer: Molecular weight
Q5. Which polymer is commonly used as a matrix former for controlled release tablets and is semi‑synthetic?
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)
- Chitosan
Correct Answer: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
Q6. Which property increases when polymer crystallinity increases?
- Mechanical strength and melting point
- Solubility in water
- Rate of enzymatic degradation
- Glass transition temperature decreases
Correct Answer: Mechanical strength and melting point
Q7. Which polymer is biodegradable and widely used for parenteral controlled‑release implants?
- PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid))
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- Eudragit RS
- Carbomer (polyacrylic acid)
Correct Answer: PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid))
Q8. Which analytical method best shows polymer thermal transitions such as Tg and melting point?
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
- UV-Visible spectroscopy
- Rheometry
Correct Answer: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
Q9. Polydispersity index (PDI) describes what aspect of a polymer sample?
- Distribution of molecular weights
- Degree of crosslinking
- Hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance
- Thermal stability
Correct Answer: Distribution of molecular weights
Q10. Which polymer is a water‑soluble synthetic binder and commonly used as a tablet disintegrant and binder?
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- Ethylcellulose
- Eudragit L100
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
Correct Answer: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Q11. Which polymer property most directly influences drug release rate from a hydrogel matrix?
- Crosslinking density
- Color
- Chain tacticity
- Manufacturing location
Correct Answer: Crosslinking density
Q12. Which polymer type swells but does not dissolve in water and is used for controlled matrix systems?
- Hydrophilic swellable polymers (e.g., HPMC)
- Water‑soluble polymers (e.g., PEG)
- Hydrophobic waxes
- Crosslinked latex
Correct Answer: Hydrophilic swellable polymers (e.g., HPMC)
Q13. Which polymer is cationic and useful for mucoadhesive and absorption‑enhancing formulations?
- Chitosan
- Polyacrylic acid (carbomer)
- Ethylcellulose
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Correct Answer: Chitosan
Q14. How does plasticizer addition generally affect a polymer film?
- Decreases Tg and increases flexibility
- Increases Tg and brittleness
- Increases crystallinity dramatically
- Creates covalent crosslinks
Correct Answer: Decreases Tg and increases flexibility
Q15. Which Eudragit type is anionic and dissolves at intestinal pH for enteric coating?
- Eudragit L (methacrylic acid copolymer)
- Eudragit RS (ammonio methacrylate)
- Eudragit RL
- Eudragit E (cationic)
Correct Answer: Eudragit L (methacrylic acid copolymer)
Q16. Which factor most accelerates hydrolytic degradation of aliphatic polyesters like PLGA?
- Lower pH and presence of water
- High crystallinity preventing water ingress
- Absence of ester linkages
- Hydrophobic surface coatings
Correct Answer: Lower pH and presence of water
Q17. Which measurement is most appropriate to evaluate polymer film tensile strength?
- Universal testing machine (tensile tester)
- DSC
- GPC
- FTIR
Correct Answer: Universal testing machine (tensile tester)
Q18. Which polymer is commonly used as a pore former or plasticizer in solid dispersions to enhance dissolution?
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Ethylcellulose
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
- Polycaprolactone (PCL)
Correct Answer: Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Q19. Which polymer characteristic is critical when designing mucoadhesive buccal patches?
- Presence of functional groups for hydrogen bonding and chain flexibility
- High glass transition temperature above 200°C
- Strong hydrophobicity preventing swelling
- Low molecular weight volatile monomers
Correct Answer: Presence of functional groups for hydrogen bonding and chain flexibility
Q20. Which sterilization method can cause significant chain scission in polymers like PEG and PVP?
- Gamma irradiation
- Autoclaving (moist heat)
- Filtration
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) at low temperature
Correct Answer: Gamma irradiation
Q21. Which test would detect polymer oxidation or new functional groups after stress testing?
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
- Viscometry
- Contact angle measurement
Correct Answer: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
Q22. Which release profile is characterized by a constant drug release rate independent of concentration?
- Zero‑order release
- First‑order release
- Higuchi diffusion-controlled release
- Korsmeyer‑Peppas anomalous transport
Correct Answer: Zero‑order release
Q23. For anionic polyelectrolytes like carbomers, what influences swelling and viscosity in aqueous media?
- pH and ionic strength of the medium
- Color of the polymer
- Temperature only above Tg
- Presence of nonionic surfactants only
Correct Answer: pH and ionic strength of the medium
Q24. Which polymer is frequently used as a stabilizer for nanoparticles and solid dispersions due to steric stabilization?
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- Ethylcellulose
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)
- Polyacrylic acid (carbomer)
Correct Answer: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Q25. Which modification converts cellulose into water‑soluble derivatives used in oral and topical formulations?
- Etherification (e.g., HPMC, CMC)
- Hydrogenation
- Halogenation
- Vulcanization
Correct Answer: Etherification (e.g., HPMC, CMC)
Q26. Which property is assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of a polymer?
- Thermal stability and decomposition temperature
- Glass transition temperature (Tg)
- Molecular weight distribution
- Viscosity at different shear rates
Correct Answer: Thermal stability and decomposition temperature
Q27. Which polymer interaction can lead to reduced drug release due to strong binding to the macromolecule?
- Ionic or hydrogen bonding between drug and polymer
- Hydrophobic interactions only on the surface
- Color complexation
- Van der Waals forces with no specific affinity
Correct Answer: Ionic or hydrogen bonding between drug and polymer
Q28. Which formulation strategy uses a water‑insoluble polymer coat to achieve sustained release via diffusion?
- Reservoir system with ethylcellulose or Eudragit RS coating
- Immediate‑release sugar coating
- Solvent evaporation without polymer
- Using only highly soluble excipients
Correct Answer: Reservoir system with ethylcellulose or Eudragit RS coating
Q29. Which polymer attribute is most relevant for predicting injectability and syringeability of high concentration solutions?
- Solution viscosity at relevant shear rates
- Monomer purity
- Color and odor
- Thermal conductivity
Correct Answer: Solution viscosity at relevant shear rates
Q30. From a regulatory perspective, which polymer concern must be documented for excipients used in parenteral products?
- Biocompatibility, residual monomers, and sterilization compatibility
- Manufacturer logo color
- Market price fluctuations
- Packaging label font
Correct Answer: Biocompatibility, residual monomers, and sterilization compatibility
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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