Biodegradable Poly(Acetonide Gluconic Acid) for Controlled Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers are crucial for drug delivery systems.
• Developing materials with controlled degradation and drug release profiles remains a challenge.
• Polyesters offer versatile platforms for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel acetal-protected gluconic acid-based poly(α-hydroxy ester).
• To investigate the polymer's degradation behavior under varying pH conditions.
• To evaluate the drug release kinetics from the polymer matrix.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis via ring-opening polymerization of O-carboxyanhydride of acetal-protected gluconic acid.
• Characterization of the synthesized polyester.
• Hydrolytic degradation studies at different pH levels (acidic and physiological).
• In vitro drug release studies monitoring release kinetics over time.

Main Results:

• The polyester was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• The polymer exhibited hydrolytic degradation primarily in mild acidic media, with minimal degradation at physiological pH.
• Acidic hydrolysis led to water-soluble polymers with saccharide side chains and surface erosion.
• Sustained zero-order drug release (∼75% in 50 days) was observed at pH 3.5.

Conclusions:

• The developed gluconic acid-based polyester is biodegradable and pH-responsive.
• Its ability to provide sustained zero-order drug release makes it suitable for drug carriers.
• Potential applications include oral drug delivery, medical implants, and nonmedical uses.