PROCESS FOR PREPARING MICROPHASE SEPARATED HIDROGELS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF BIOACTIVE MATERIALS

摘要

Novel hydrogel compositions, comprised of a blend of two thermoplastic uncrosslinked polymers, one of which is hydrophobic, and the other hydrophilic, and having a microphase separated morphology are described. These hydrogel compositions are useful as devices for controlling the release rate of bioactive agents, such as therapeutic drugs, antimicrobials, contraceptive agents, or the like, in a biological environment. Depending upon the chemical nature of the agent to be released, its rate of release can be controlled by appropriate selection of the polymeric components of the blend and their relative ratios.