Anionic polymerization of alkyl cyanoacrylates: In vitro model studies forin vivo applications

Alkyl cyanoacrylates were polymerized anionically in water medium at differ ent levels of pH. The effect of pH on the molecular weight and softening po ints of the polymers was studied. Alkyl cyanoacrylates were also polymerize d in suspension by using the combination of methanol-water, and also by usi ng different catalysts such as triethylamine, diazabicyclooctane, and diaza bicycloundecane. The poly(cyanoacrylates) thus obtained were characterised by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The molecular weig ht, molecular weight distribution, and the softening points of the polymers were determined. These studies would help in more effective usage of cyano acrylates as bioadhesives under varied physiological conditions. (C) 1999 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.