Abstract
In our quest to develop new drug delivery systems, we designed and synthesized PEG-conjugates and PEG-hydrogels with a degradable linkage to the drug. Specifically, methoxyPEG-doxorubicin (MPEG-CH=N-Doxo) and doxorubicin-PEG aldehyde (OHC-PEG-CH=N-Doxo) conjugates, plus poly (vinyl amine)-PEG-doxorubicin (PVAm-PEG-Doxo) hydrogels were prepared. The hydrogels were crosslinked by PEG-Schiff base linkages, and the Doxo was conjugated to the gel by pendant Schiff base bonds (PVAm-N=CH-PEG-CH=N-Doxo). The release profile of Doxo from the hydrogels was dependent on pH and on the ratio of PVAm to the PEG-dialdehyde crosslinker. These degradable PEG hydrogels could be good candidates for slow release of Doxo from subcutaneous or IM implants.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
