PDMAEMA/Polyester Miktopolymers: Synthesis via In-Out Approach, Physicochemical Characterization and Enzymatic Degradation

Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and the enzymatic degradation of the amphiphilic miktoarm star-shaped polymers is reported herein. First, star-shaped macroinitiators, based on N,N '-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and glycerol dimethacrylate (GDMA) ((PDMAEMA)(n)-PGDMA), were synthesized. Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in the macroinitiator core, polyesters such as poly(e-caprolactone) (P(e-CL)), polylactide (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were synthesized using ring opening polymerization (ROP). Comprehensive degradation studies on enzymatic degradation, using a lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia, were performed. Enzymatic degradation was monitored by weight measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-1 NMR). The fastest degradation rate was observed for the polymer with the lowest molecular weight. Amphiphilic miktopolymers may find application as biomaterials for long- or mid-term period drug-delivery systems.

Automated summary

This study reported the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and enzymatic degradation of amphiphilic miktoarm star-shaped polymers. Star-shaped macroinitiators were synthesized, followed by the synthesis of polyesters using ring opening polymerization. Enzymatic degradation studies were conducted using a lipase, showing that polymers with lower molecular weight degraded faster. Amphiphilic miktopolymers have potential applications as biomaterials for drug-delivery systems.