Biodegradable polymers derived from amino acids

Biodegradable polymers rely on the release of the active agent as the polymer carrier is eroded by the environment. When such polymers are used for delivery of drugs for medical applications, it is essential that the polymers themselves be non-toxic and that they degrade into non-toxic degradation products as the polymer is eroded by the body fluid. The objective of this study was to develop biodegradable polymers based on naturally occurring amino acids. A polymer based on amino acids which can potentially degrade into its amino acid counterparts is likely to possess good biocompatibility. In addition, polymers with alternating amide and anhydride bonds in the polymer backbone may have improved physical and mechanical properties. In this study, polyanhydrides were synthesized by melt or solution polymerization from dicarboxylic acid monomers based on alanine and proline.