Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable copolyesters and copolyanhydrides prepared from fumaric and succinic acid trimers and oligomers

Abstract

A series of new biodegradable copolymers and copolyanhydrides built of trimers of fumaric and succinic acid and propylene glycol, covering a wide range of compositions, were prepared and characterized for use as drug carriers. The polymers were found to degrade within a period of weeks. Polyanhydrides loaded with ibuprofen as a model drug released the drug for a period of one week, while the polyesters released the drug for more then 30 days. The biocompatibility and the rate of evacuation of trimer‐based polymers of fumaric and succinic acids were investigated in rats. All polymers were found compatible when implanted in mice.