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Synthesis and characterization of ionic charged water soluble arginine-based poly(ester amide)
Jun Wu1, Martha A Mutschler, Chih-Chang Chu
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401, USA.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|February 3, 2011
Summary
Biodegradable L-arginine based poly(ester amide)s (Arg-PEAs) are water-soluble, non-toxic polymers. Their properties can be tuned, and they can form photo-crosslinked hydrogels for potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Development of novel biodegradable polymers is crucial for advanced applications.
- L-arginine based polymers offer unique properties due to their inherent functionality.
- There is a need for biocompatible cationic polymers for various uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a family of water-soluble, positively charged L-arginine based poly(ester amide)s (Arg-PEAs).
- To investigate the structure-property relationships of these novel polymers.
- To explore the potential of Arg-PEAs in forming photo-crosslinked hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Solution polycondensation of L-arginine derived monomers with dicarboxylic acids.
- Chemical characterization of synthesized monomers and polymers using standard techniques.
- Assessment of polymer solubility, cationic properties, and biocompatibility via MTT assay.
- Photo-crosslinking studies with polyethylene glycol diacrylate.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of a series of biodegradable Arg-PEAs with good water solubility.
- Demonstrated tunability of hydrophobic and cationic properties by altering polymer backbone.
- All synthesized Arg-PEAs exhibited excellent non-toxicity to cell lines.
- Arg-PEAs with double bond functionality were effectively photo-crosslinked into hybrid hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- L-arginine based poly(ester amide)s represent a promising class of biodegradable, water-soluble, and non-toxic cationic polymers.
- The tunable nature of Arg-PEAs allows for tailored material properties.
- The ability to form photo-crosslinked hydrogels opens avenues for their use in biomedical applications.
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