In situ-gelling, erodible N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers

Copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacryl lactate [(HEMA)-lactate] and acrylic acid (AAc) were prepared with varying mole ratios of monomers to develop copolymers with gelation properties above a certain concentration for a bioerodible, in-situ gelling material. The copolymers formed gels in situ under physiological condition. The gelation temperature of the copolymers decreased as the HEMA-lactate content of the copolymers increased due to the hydrophobicity of HEMA-lactate, and increased as the AAc content increased due to the hydrophilicity of AAc. The gels redissolve at 37 degrees C as their LCSTs increase above 37 degrees C due to the hydrolysis of the HEMA-lactate pendant groups.