Laser light scattering study of the degradation of poly(sebacic anhydride)nanoparticles

Poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA) is biocompatible and degradable in basic medi a. We micronized this water-insoluble polymer into stable polymeric nanopar ticles via a microphase inversion. Such PSA nanoparticles degraded much fas ter than bulk PSA. The influence of the surfactant, temperature, and pH on the degradation of the PSA nanoparticles was investigated by a combination of static and dynamic laser light scattering. Under each condition, the deg radation rate was nearly constant up to a 75% weight loss; that is, the deg radation was close to zero-order. The degradation rate increased with the p H and temperature. Biomedical applications of such PSA nanoparticles are su ggested. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.