Biocatalytic synthesis and in vitro release of biodegradable linear polyesters with pendant ketoprofen

Enzyme-catalyzed polycondensation for the synthesis of polyester prodrugs of ketoprofen was reported. Lipase acrylic resin from Candida antarctica (CAL-B) was used to synthesize the linear polyesters with pendent ketoprofen groups based on ketoprofen glycerol ester, poly(ethylene glycol), and divinyl sebacate. The products were characterized by GPC and (1)H NMR. The results indicated that the molecular weight and yields of the polyesters depend on experimental conditions such as temperature and feed ratio. The in vitro study showed that the drug release from the polyester was slow under physiological conditions, which indicated that the polyester could be a promising prodrug with extended pharmacological effects by delayed release of ketoprofen.