Polyanhydrides containing 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane, abbreviated pol
y(p-CPP), are currently being used as controlled-release devices for the tr
eatment of brain cancer. These polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible
and release pharmaceuticals in a controlled fashion. However, polyanhydrid
es have an important drawback: The polymers themselves are highly insoluble
in both organic solvents and water and have high melting temperatures, ren
dering them difficult to process into fibers and/or films. Previously, we s
ynthesized polymers that overcame the solubility and, thus, processing prob
lems associated with poly(p-CPP). In this report, we describe the mechanica
l properties and hydrolytic degradation characteristics of these newly deve
loped polyanhydrides. After formation of films by either compression-moldin
g or solvent-casting, the polymer surfaces were examined by SEM. Mechanical
studies were also performed on the compression-molded samples. Compression
-molded samples were sterilized by gamma -irradiation and then examined by
GPC for changes in their polymer structure. Lastly, the polymers and the de
gradation media were evaluated by TGA, DSC, GPC, and HPLC to gain a better
understanding of the degradation process. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.