Functionalized and degradable polymers of malic acid stimulate bone repair

A water soluble and hydrolysable polyester derived from malic acid has been synthesized by copolymerization of three different malolactonic acid ester s. Functional pendant groups have been selected to interact with and protec t heparin binding growth factors (HBGF). Three beta-substituted beta-lacton es have been synthesized by using aspartic acid as a chiral precursor and b enzyl, allyl and butyl alcohols in the formation of the ester pendant group s. The terpolymer has been subjected to three consecutive different chemica l modifications. This modified terpolymer, able to induce new bone formatio n in an in vivo model, has the same property as carboxymethyl benzylamide s ulfonate dextrans (CMDBS). Consequently, the distribution of the lateral fu nctional groups is more essential than the glucidic nature of the backbone to acquire biological efficiency. (C) 1999 Academie des sciences/Editions s cientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.