Biodegradable and thermoreversible hydrogels of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous solutions

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2008 Oct;87(1):45-51. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.31699.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Micelles*
  • Phase Transition
  • Polyesters / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Hydrogels
  • Micelles
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol)
  • Polyethylene Glycols