Processing and hydrolytic degradation of aromatic, ortho-substituted polyanhydrides

Citation
C. Bedell et al., Processing and hydrolytic degradation of aromatic, ortho-substituted polyanhydrides, J APPL POLY, 80(1), 2001, pp. 32-38
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Organic Chemistry/Polymer Science","Material Science & Engineering
Journal title
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
ISSN journal
00218995 → ACNP
Volume
80
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
32 - 38
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-8995(20010404)80:1<32:PAHDOA>2.0.ZU;2-H
Abstract
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.