STRUCTURE-PROPERTY RELATIONSHIPS IN POLY(LACTIDE-CO-GLYCOLIDE): IMPACT ON POLYMER BEHAVIOUR IN CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

摘要

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymers (PLG) are well established as suitable matrices for controlled drug delivery systems. The popularity of these biodegradable polymers is in part due to the fact that their physico-chemical properties can be tailored to achieve controlled drug release over a predetermined duration in a variety of device types and therapies. In order to fully exploit this capability, the polymerization process and the final properties of the copolymers must be well defined and controlled. This paper will describe the application of both solution and solid state characterisation techniques to PLG copolymers. The results presented will illustrate the benefit of thorough characterisation at various stages of processing. Analytical data obtained for a variety of polymer composition will be related to the performance of these copolymers in controlled drug delivery applications.