Poly(ethylene glycol)-Containing Pseudo-poly(amino acids) as a Novel Type of Biodegradable Functional Macromolecules

摘要

Significant progress has been made over last two decades in the development of biodegradable polyesters. Such polymers were extensively investigated in clinical applications for potential implants and drug delivery. Great varieties of biodegradable polyesters are currently commercially available. These polymers have been developed in a variety of forms, and have potential medical applications including drug delivery, sutures, bandages, orthopedic implants etc [1,2]. However, their low functionality substantially limits these applications. Functionalization of polyesters could significantly improve performance of existing biomaterials by developing biodegradable polymers with tailored chemical properties. Physiological biodegradation of polyesters occurs primarily through hydrolysis of the ester linkages in the main polymer backbone yielding low molecular compounds [3]. Pseudo-poly(amino acids) (PPAAs) based on trifunctional amino acids linked with ester bonds are considered as a potential alternative for currently commercially available biodegradable polyesters [4]. Their high functionality facilitates both the covalent and ionic attachment of pharmaceutical agents. In this study we demonstrate new pseudo-poly(amino acids) based on glutamic acid derivatives linked with poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) and other polyols