Factors Controlling Drug Release in Cross-linked Poly(valerolactone) Based Matrices

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing biocompatible and biodegradable implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS) is crucial for sustained drug release, improving patient outcomes and compliance.
• Current IDDS face challenges in achieving prolonged release and broad drug compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize cross-linked poly(valerolactone)-co-poly(allyl-δ-valerolactone) (PVL-co-PAVL) copolymer matrices for potential use as IDDS.
• To evaluate the drug loading capacity, drug-matrix interactions, and in vitro drug release profiles of these novel matrices.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PVL-co-PAVL copolymers via ring-opening polymerization.
• Cross-linking of copolymers with 1,6-hexanedithiol to form solid matrices.
• High-throughput postloading of model drugs (paclitaxel, curcumin, etc.) into the matrices.
• Physicochemical characterization using various analytical techniques (XRD, DSC, spectroscopy, microscopy).
• In vitro drug release studies under different conditions.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized PVL-co-PAVL copolymers with controlled molecular weight and allyl-δ-valerolactone content.
• Fabricated amorphous or semicrystalline cross-linked matrices capable of high drug loading (up to 20% w/w).
• Demonstrated superior drug-matrix compatibility for drugs containing phenyl groups.
• Identified key factors influencing in vitro drug release, including drug properties and release media composition.

Conclusions:

• Cross-linked PVL-co-PAVL matrices are promising candidates for developing advanced implantable drug delivery systems.
• The tunable nature of these copolymers allows for optimization of drug release kinetics.
• Further research can explore tailored formulations for specific therapeutic applications.