Related Experiment Videos
Synthesis and characterization of self-catalyzed poly(ortho ester)
M B Sintzel1, J Heller, S Y Ng
1School of Pharmacy, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Biomaterials
|July 15, 1998
Summary
This study developed self-catalyzed poly(ortho esters) for glaucoma drug delivery. Incorporating alpha-hydroxy acids controls polymer degradation, offering tunable drug release for sustained antiproliferative agent delivery.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Poly(ortho esters) are explored as drug carriers for glaucoma surgery.
- Developing controllable degradation is key for sustained drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop self-catalyzed poly(ortho esters) with tunable hydrolysis.
- To investigate the impact of alpha-hydroxy acid incorporation on polymer characteristics and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(ortho esters) via polyol addition to a diketene acetal.
- Structural confirmation using NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy.
- Characterization of molecular weight, glass transition temperature, rheology, and residual solvents.
Main Results:
- Polymer characteristics were successfully tuned by varying the polyol.
- Incorporation of alpha-hydroxy acids allowed control over acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.
- Hydrolysis preferentially occurred at ester bonds due to polymer hydrophobicity.
Conclusions:
- Self-catalyzed poly(ortho esters) with controlled degradation were developed.
- These polymers show promise as carriers for antiproliferative agents in glaucoma treatment.
- Tunable hydrolysis is achievable through controlled incorporation of alpha-hydroxy acid segments.