Biodegradable and thermoreversible hydrogels of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous solutions.
The aqueous solutions of triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG-P(CL-GA)-PEG] undergoing sol-gel transition as the temperature increases from 20 to 60 degrees C were successfully prepared. The thermogelling block copolymers were synthesized by subtle control of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and the chain microstructures. The amphiphilic block copolymer formed micelles in aqueous solution, and the micelle aggregated as the temperature increased. The sol-gel transition of the copolymer aqueous solutions was studied focusing on the structure-property relationship. GA was incorporated into the polymer chain to prevent crystallization of PCL component and increase the polymer degradation. It is expected to be a promising long-term delivery system for pH-sensitive drugs, proteins, and genes.
Jiang
Zhiqiang
Z
Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 415, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.
Hao
Jianyuan
J
You
Yujing
Y
Liu
Yan
Y
Wang
Zhenhong
Z
Deng
Xianmo
X
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008823:Micelles; D044367:Phase Transition; D011091:Polyesters / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
D004337:Drug Carriers; D020100:Hydrogels; D008823:Micelles; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C532875:poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols