A novel mucoadhesive polymer prepared by template polymerization of acrylic acid in the presence of poloxamer

A new mucoadhesive polymer was prepared by template polymerization of acryl ic acid using poloxamer as a template polymer. FTIR results showed that the interpolymer complex was formed by hydrogen bonding between the carboxyl g roup of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and the ether group of poloxamer. The exte nt of hydrogen bonding in the PAA/poloxamer interpolymer complex increased as the ratio of PAA/poloxamer decreased. The T-g of PAA/poloxamer interpoly mer complexes was matched well with the T-g calculated by Gordon-Taylor's e quation than that of their blends. This result suggests that the PAA and po loxamer in the interpolymer complexes are more compatible than their blends . The dissolution rate of PAA/poloxamer interpolymer complexes was much slo wer than that of their blends, and was dependent on the pH of the medium an d the ratio of PAA/poloxamer. The adhesive bond strength of PAA/poloxamer i nterpolymer complexes to a plastic (polypropylene) plate was greater than t heir blends or a commercial product, Carbopol 971P NF. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.