No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
To develop a new class of in situ-forming, injectable, and biodegradable polymeric biomaterials based on time-dependent lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties for localized delivery, copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacryl lactate (HEMA-lactate) and acrylic acid (AAc) were prepared with varying mole ratios of monomers. The copolymers showed LCST and gelation properties below body temperature in 0.1 N PBS solution of pH 7.4. The LCST and gelation temperature of the copolymers decreased as the HEMA-lactate content of the copolymers was increased. The copolymers also showed time-dependent LCST and gelation properties in 0.1 N PBS solution of pH 7.4 owing to hydrolysis of HEMA-lactate. Hydrolysis of HEMA-lactate caused the polymers to be more hydrophilic, resulting in an increase in LCST and gelation temperature. All the polymers with about 6 mol % AAc exhibited LCST and gelation temperature above body temperature after complete hydrolysis of HEMA-lactate.