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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Functionalized Spirocyclic Heterocycle Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Assay
Published on: February 9, 2021
Synthesis and cytotoxicity of salicylate-based poly(anhydride esters)
Robert C Schmeltzer1, Kristine E Schmalenberg, Kathryn E Uhrich
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
Abstract:
This paper describes the synthesis and cytotoxicity of poly(anhydride esters) that are composed of several salicylate derivatives, including halogenated salicylates, aminosalicylates, salicylsalicylic acid, and thiolsalicylic acid. The incorporation of these nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into a biodegradable polymer backbone yields drug-based polymers that have potential for a variety of applications. The poly(anhydride esters) were synthesized by melt condensation polymerization. The halogenated salicylate derivatives yielded the highest molecular polymers as well as the highest glass transition temperatures. All polymers displayed in vitro degradation lag times from 1 to 3 days, depending on the water solubility of the salicylate derivative. Cell viability and proliferation were determined with L929 fibroblast cells in serum-containing medium to assess the polymer cytotoxicities, which varied as a function of the saliyclate chemistry. Cell morphology was normal for most of the polymers evaluated.
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