We aim to study the effect of the polymer molecular weight on the release of metronidazole (MTZ) from synthesized proline-based polymers. The amino acid-based polymers with different molecular weights were synthesized by reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N-acryloyl-L-proline (A-L-Pro-OH) with relatively high conversions (55-98%, as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy). Polymerization was carried out at different [monomer]0/[CTA]0/[AIBN]0 ratios. The proline-based polymers having pre-determined molecular weights (Mn = 60400�22600 in the carboxylic acid forms) and low polydispersities (Mw/Mn = 1.30�1.37) were employed for the immobilization of MTZ. The release profiles of the polymer-MTZ adducts were investigated in phosphate buffer solutions with different pH's. The results indicated that the hydrolytic behaviors of polymeric prodrugs strongly depend on the polymer molecular weight as well as the pH of the release media. The release kinetics was determined using Higuchi and Korsmeyer equations, which reveals the mechanism of drug released.

Controlled-release of metronidazole from proline-based polymers prepared by RAFT polymerization: Molecular weight-dependence

245th National Meeting (2013)

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