title: Novel graft PLLA-based copolymers: potential of their application to particle technology.
abstract: This study describes the synthesis of novel biodegradable graft copolymers based on a backbone of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) on which short blocks of polyacrylamide (PAcr) were grafted. Preliminary results of their potential in the field of controlled-release technologies also have been reported. The copolymers have been synthesized through the radical polymerization of acrylamide initiated by a peroxide in the presence of PLLA. Two different methodologies of synthesis, namely, in solution and in emulsion, have been tested. The structure of the copolymers was studied by (1)H-NMR and infrared spectroscopy and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cytotoxicity tests were conducted to assess their biocompatibility. The copolymers were used to prepare particles by the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. The shapes and dimensions of the particles were dependent on the polymer type and concentration used. The surfaces of the particles were modified by the presence of polyacrylamide residues, as demonstrated by zeta-potential measurements. The release behavior of the particles was assessed by encapsulating rhodamine B as the model compound. The release was faster for the particles prepared by the grafted polymer as a consequence of its increased hydrophilicity. Based on these novel biomaterials, preliminary results suggest a potential of the particles for peroral or parenteral drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Chimica e Tecnologia dei Polimeri (I.C.T.P.), C.N.R., c/o comprensorio ex-Olivetti, Fabbricato 70, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Calandrelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Rosa
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Errico
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: La Rotonda
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Laurienzo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malinconico
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Quaglia
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000327:Adsorption; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007773:Lactates / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008863:Microspheres; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D012235:Rhodamines; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007773:Lactates; D011108:Polymers; D012235:Rhodamines; C058523:polyethylene oxide-polylactic acid block copolymer; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols