Synthesis and peptide-induced degradation of biocompatible fibers based on highly branched poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Biocomnatible fibers (see figure) are prepared by electrospinning branched poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymers from methanol. These copolymers contain disulfide branch sites that can be cleaved using tripeptides such as glutathione. Cleavage reduces the copolymer molecular weight substantially, leading to complete fiber dissolution.