Open AccessBiobased Hyperbranched Poly(ester)s of Precise Structure for the Release of Therapeutics
Author(s) -
Bob A. Howell,
Tracy Zhang,
Patrick B. Smith
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
medical research archives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2375-1924
pISSN - 2375-1916
DOI - 10.18103/mra.v9i1.2308
Subject(s) - monomer , amide , chemistry , hydrolysis , glycerol , polymerization , reactivity (psychology) , combinatorial chemistry , polymer , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Hyperbrached poly(ester)s derived from naturally-occurring biomonomers may serve as excellent platforms for the sustained-release of therapeutics. Those generated from glycerol are particularly attractive. Traditionally, the difference in reactivity of the hydroxyl groups of glycerol has precluded the formation of well-defined polymers at high monomer conversion without gelation. Using the Martin-Smith model to select appropriate monomer ratios (ratios of functional groups), polymerization may be carried out to high conversion while avoiding gelation and with the assurance of a single type of endgroup. Various agents may be attached via esterification, amide formation or other process. Sustained release of the active agent may be readily achieved by enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis.