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Updated: May 10, 2026

A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
Published on: December 23, 2016
pH-dependent sustained release characteristics of disulfide polymers prepared by simple thermal polymerization
1a Jeju Global Research Center , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 200, Haemajihaean-ro , Gujwa-eup , Jeju Specific Self-Governing Province , 695-971 , South Korea.
Abstract:
Biocompatible polymers have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery systems. The discovery of a novel polymer with innovative properties can provide great opportunities to enhance drug efficacy as well as reduce side effects. In this study, a novel disulfide polymer was synthesized and characterized. Its monomer is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which is synthesized in all cells in the human body. The disulfide polymer was obtained by the simple thermal polymerization of crystalline particles at a temperature higher than its melting point, followed by precipitation purification. It had rubbery and sticky characteristics. In vitro release tests demonstrated that the disulfide polymer had both pH-dependent degradation and related sustained release profiles, with a degraded form of ALA. Therefore, this novel class of responsive polymers that can be prepared by simple thermal polymerization has pronounced potential to contribute to future drug delivery systems.
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