Yoo J., Graf T.A., Kuruvilla D.J., D’Mello S.R., Salem A.K., Bowden N.B.
University of Iowa, US
Keywords: biodegradable polymers, inorganic functional groups, nitrogen, sulfur
We developed the synthesis of three new sets of polymers based on bonds between sulfur and nitrogen for applications in drug and gene delivery. These polymers were designed to slowly degrade in water at pH of 7.4, and to rapidly degrade at a pH of 5-6. These particles will be stable in the bloodstream but will rapidly degrade in the endosome/lysosome where the pH is 5-6. These polymers were based on the sulfenamide, diaminosulfide, and disulfide diamine functional groups. Polymers with these functional groups were unknown in polymer chemistry prior to recent work by the Bowden and Salem groups. This presentation will briefly outline the simple synthesis of these polymers, the chemical characteristics of each of the functional groups, and how these polymers were applied in drug delivery. Furthermore, the toxicity of these polymers were studied by in vitro experiments and by injecting particles of polysulfenamides into mice. No toxicity was observed. The degradation products of the polymers will be briefly discussed to illustrate advantages of working with each polymer.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2013: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites (Volume 1)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 577 - 580
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0581-7