In vitro biological evaluation of high molecular weight hyperbranched polyglycerols

Low molecular weight hyperbranched polyglycerols are highly water soluble and biocompatible polyether polyols, which can be synthesized in a controlled manner with narrow polydispersity. Recently we reported the synthesis and characterization of very high molecular weight (Mn up to 700,000) and narrowly polydispersed polyglycerols which could be potentially used as alternatives to high generation dendrimers which are difficult to make. A detailed biocompatibility testing of these polymers conducted in vitro is reported here. The in vitro studies include hemocompatibility testing for effects on coagulation (prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma recalcification time (PRT), thrombelastograph parameters (TEG)), complement activation, platelet activation, red blood cell aggregation and cytotoxicity. Results from these studies show that these high molecular weight polyglycerols are highly biocompatible and are potential candidates for various applications in nanobiotechnology and in nanomedicine. Moreover these polymers are thermally and oxidatively stable.