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Updated: Oct 15, 2026

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Poly(ethylene glycol) and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation
Published on: October 29, 2013
Improved biocompatibility of a viscous bioerodible poly(ortho ester) by controlling the environmental pH during
M Zignani1, T Le Minh, S Einmahl
1School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The poly(ortho ester), POE, used in this investigation, is a viscous bioerodible polymer (8 kDa), which rapidly degrades into a triol and an acidic by-product, acetic acid. In order to improve biocompatibility, we have evaluated the addition of various basic excipients, such as sodium acetate, hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, which buffered and neutralized the acidic degradation product and prolonged the polymer lifetime and drug release. This decrease of POE degradation rate results in a decreased rate of formation of the acidic by-product. Similarly, a POE of higher molecular weight (14 kDa) has been tested. Sodium acetate was too hydrophilic to affect the drug release and the biocompatibility of the polymer, whereas the presence of magnesium hydroxide markedly prolonged the drug release and improved the acceptability of the polymer. The increased molecular weight POE did not improve biocompatibility and a similar but delayed, inflammatory reaction was observed.
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