PHOTOPOLYMERIZED HYDROGEL MATERIALS FOR DRUG-DELIVERY APPLICATIONS

A novel photopolymerized hydrogel material has been developed for use as a drug delivery vehicle for bioactive materials. The hydrogel precu rsor consists of polyethylene glycol copolymerized with an alpha-hydro xy acid and with acrylate termini at each end. The precursor is water- soluble and non-toxic. The precursor polymerization conditions are ver y mild, and polymerization can be carried out in direct contact with c ells and tissues. The degradation rate and permeability of the hydroge l can be altered by changing the composition of the precursors, allowi ng use of this class of materials for a variety of applications. In vi tro release of proteins and oligonucleotides is reported.