title: Synthesis and characterization of injectable, water-soluble copolymers of tertiary amine methacrylates and poly(ethylene glycol) containing methacrylates.
abstract: Several homopolymers and copolymers of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEM) were synthesized using anionic polymerization initiated by potassium t-butoxide. The polymers were characterized by average molecular weight, polydispersity and monomeric unit composition. A very narrow molecular weight distribution was achieved with a well-controlled composition. The glass transition temperatures and compositions of the copolymers followed a Gordon-Taylor relationship. The water solubility and biocompatibility of the copolymers was compared to their parent homopolymers to determine if the addition of a poly(ethylene glycol) group was sufficient to solubilize the polymers in aqueous buffer solutions and to increase the biocompatibility of the polymers. These water-soluble, injectable cationic copolymers have potential applications in gene delivery as well as other biomaterial applications.
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Surya K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mallapragada
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000737:chemistry*; D000440:Butanols / Q000494:pharmacology; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002845:Chromatography; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007267:Injections; D008027:Light; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012995:Solubility; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000440:Butanols; D008689:Methacrylates; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C077664:tert-butoxide, potassium