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Formulation and surface modification of poly(ester-anhydride) micro- and nanospheres
Blaine A Pfeifer1, Jason A Burdick, Robert Langer
1Division of Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 45 Carleton Street, E25-342, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
Biomaterials
|June 23, 2004
Summary
Researchers developed poly(ester-anhydride) copolymers into micro- and nanospheres. Surface modification with cystamine showed increased labeling with higher polyanhydride content, crucial for drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Poly(ester-anhydride) copolymers are versatile biomaterials.
- Controlling polymer composition and molecular weight is key for tailored properties.
- Surface modification enhances functionality for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate poly(ester-anhydride) copolymers into micro- and nanospheres.
- To investigate the surface modification of these spheres using cystamine.
- To quantify the surface labeling and its correlation with polymer composition.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(ester-anhydride) copolymers via two schemes.
- Fabrication of micro- (3-10 µm) and nanospheres (300-500 nm) using double emulsion.
- Surface modification with cystamine and quantification using DTNB (Ellman's reagent).
Main Results:
- Successful formulation of poly(ester-anhydride) into micro- and nanospheres.
- Quantified surface labeling ranged from 0.20-35 µmol/g (microspheres) and 0.6-100 µmol/g (nanospheres).
- Surface labeling increased with higher polyanhydride content, as expected.
Conclusions:
- Poly(ester-anhydride) copolymers can be effectively formulated into size-controlled spheres.
- Surface modification with cystamine is feasible and quantifiable.
- The degree of surface labeling is predictable based on copolymer composition, offering potential for targeted delivery systems.