title: Microparticles of novel branched copolymers of lactic acid and amino acids: preparation and characterization.
abstract: The preparation and characterization of microparticles produced from a new class of functionalized, biodegradable, comblike graft copolymers is presented. The copolymers are polyester-polyamino acid hybrids, composed of a poly(L-lactic acid-co-L-lysine) (PLAL) backbone, and poly(L-lysine), poly(D,L-alanine) or poly(L-aspartic acid) side chains extending from the lysine residues of PLAL. The microparticles have been characterized with regard to their surface properties, morphology, and size. Thus, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis data and results of Zeta potential measurements suggest that the polyamino acid side chains tend to concentrate at the surface of the particles. Also, analyses by environmental scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy indicate that particles carrying poly(lysine) chains have an unusual porous structure, most probably due to the combined effects of the amphiphilic, polyelectrolyte, and chemical nature of the composing copolymer, as well as of the particular preparation technique employed. The capabilities of the microparticles to serve as carriers in controlled drug release and delivery devices were demonstrated by encapsulation and release of rhodamine B, a low molecular weight drug model.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, E25-342, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caponetti
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hrkach
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kriwet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poh
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lotan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Langer
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D012235:Rhodamines; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000596:Amino Acids; D011108:Polymers; D012235:Rhodamines; D019344:Lactic Acid; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; C029773:rhodamine B