Chitosan-graft poly(p-dioxanone) copolymers: preparation, characterization, and properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable natural polymer with potential in biomedical applications.
• Poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) is a biodegradable polyester known for its controlled degradation properties.
• Developing novel biodegradable copolymers can enhance drug delivery efficacy and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new biodegradable copolymer of chitosan and poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO).
• To evaluate the potential of the synthesized copolymer as a drug carrier for sinomenine.
• To investigate the controlled drug-releasing behavior of the copolymer in different physiological environments.

Main Methods:

• A protection-graft-deprotection strategy was employed using N-phthaloyl-chitosan.
• Poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) with isocyanate end-groups was grafted onto the protected chitosan.
• Characterization involved FT-IR, (1)H NMR, TG, DSC, SEM, and WAXD analyses.
• Drug release studies were conducted using sinomenine in artificial gastric juice and phosphate buffer.

Main Results:

• A novel biodegradable copolymer of chitosan and PPDO was successfully synthesized.
• The length of PPDO graft chains could be controlled by varying PPDO prepolymer molecular weights.
• The copolymer demonstrated significant controlled drug-releasing behavior for sinomenine.
• The release profiles were evaluated in both acidic (gastric) and neutral (buffer) conditions.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized chitosan-PPDO copolymer is a promising biodegradable material for drug delivery.
• The controlled release of sinomenine indicates the potential of this copolymer for sustained therapeutic effects.
• This copolymer offers a tunable platform for developing advanced drug delivery systems.