title: pH-dependent sustained release characteristics of disulfide polymers prepared by simple thermal polymerization.
abstract: Biocompatible polymers have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery systems. The discovery of a novel polymer with innovative properties can provide great opportunities to enhance drug efficacy as well as reduce side effects. In this study, a novel disulfide polymer was synthesized and characterized. Its monomer is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which is synthesized in all cells in the human body. The disulfide polymer was obtained by the simple thermal polymerization of crystalline particles at a temperature higher than its melting point, followed by precipitation purification. It had rubbery and sticky characteristics. In vitro release tests demonstrated that the disulfide polymer had both pH-dependent degradation and related sustained release profiles, with a degraded form of ALA. Therefore, this novel class of responsive polymers that can be prepared by simple thermal polymerization has pronounced potential to contribute to future drug delivery systems.
authors.affiliation: a Jeju Global Research Center , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 200, Haemajihaean-ro , Gujwa-eup , Jeju Specific Self-Governing Province , 695-971 , South Korea.
authors.forename: Chul Ho
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jonghwi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004220:Disulfides / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D058105:Polymerization; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004220:Disulfides; D004337:Drug Carriers; D011108:Polymers