Polyamides containing alpha-aminoacids and hydrophilic oxyethylene groups along the chain

Biocompatible and potentially biodegradable polyamides (PAs) containing in the chain both peptide bonds and hydrophilic triethyleneoxide segments have been prepared by interfacial polycondensation of sebacoyl dichloride with amide-diamines derived from the 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine and alp ha-aminoacids such as glycine, L-valine and L-phenylalanine. These PAs exhi bit moderate inherent viscosity values and show limited solubilities in CHC l3, DMF and DMSO. H-1-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the expe cted structures. DSC and X-rays diffraction spectra indicated crystallinity degrees from 19 to 31%. The melting temperatures range between 135-238 deg rees C. Liquid water absorption measurements indicate a high equilibrium we ight-uptake when a glycine residue is present in the amide-diamine moiety. In vitro tests carried out using cultures of human fibroblasts showed the b iocompatibility of the prepared PAs.