(172d) Dynamics of Novel Multifunctional, Intelligent Mucoadhesive Copolymers

In this research we examine the dynamics of various compositions of intelligent, pH-sensitive and mucoadhesive copolymers of poly(acrylic acid) (P(AA) with high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), at various physiological conditions. Graft copolymer networks of PAA containing well characterized tethers of PEG were prepared using free radical solution UV-polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and monomethacrylate PEG with a molecular weight of 2000 with tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinking agent. The copolymers were prepared in different molar ratios. The equilibrium swelling parameters were determined in buffer solutions containing NaCl at different pH. The mucoadhesive properties were tested by bringing the copolymer into contact with mucin solution and determining the force required to break the bond through the use of an Instron tensile testing machine. Results suggest that these copolymers are exceptional protein delivery candidates due to their pH-sensitivity and controllable swelling behavior. Additionally, they have shown mucoadhesive properties which can be changed by changing the molar ratio.

This work was in part supported by National Institutes of Health grant No. EB 000246 and the National Science Foundation (DGE-0333080).