Linear, Mannitol-Based Poly(anhydride-esters) with High Ibuprofen Loading and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Sugar alcohols (polyols) like mannitol and xylitol are biocompatible, used in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
• Limited research exists on utilizing secondary hydroxyl groups for pendant bioactive attachment and polymerization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first linear, biodegradable polymer with a sugar alcohol backbone and incorporated pendant bioactives.
• To achieve high bioactive loading and sustained release from the polymer.
• To demonstrate the polymer's suitability for in vivo applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a poly(anhydride-ester) using a sugar alcohol backbone and pendant bioactives (e.g., ibuprofen).
• Utilized (trimethylsilyl)ethoxyacetylene for polymerization.
• Quantified drug release using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Assessed cytocompatibility with fibroblast cells and anti-inflammatory activity (COX-2 assay) of released drug.

Main Results:

• Developed a linear, completely biodegradable polymer with high bioactive loading (∼70%).
• Demonstrated sustained release of the incorporated bioactive (ibuprofen).
• Confirmed cytocompatibility and retained anti-inflammatory activity of the released drug.
• Polymer degrades into biocompatible products: bioactive, sugar alcohol, and alkyl-based diacid.

Conclusions:

• This novel poly(anhydride-ester) offers a versatile platform for biodegradable drug delivery systems.
• The polymer backbone allows for facile modification with pendant groups, such as targeting moieties.
• High drug loading capacity and sustained release properties are key advantages for therapeutic applications.