Poly(2-oxazoline)s and polypeptoids are similar in structure with an tertiary amide in every repeat unit. While the polypeptoide poly(L-proline) is known to be biodegradable, poly(2-oxazoline)s are considered non-degradable. In contrast, polysarcosine is discussed as biodegradable by some authors, but, to the best of our knowledge, no experimental evidence has been provided to support this statement.The sensitivity of polyethylene glycol (PEG) against oxidative degradation is well known, yet very little information on the decomposition of PEG under biologically relevant oxidative stress can be found in the literature. Here, we present first evidence that PEG, poly(2-oxazoline)s, polypeptoids and other biopolymers are degradable by oxidative degradation under biologically relevant conditions.[1] Incubation with different reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to a pronounced time and concentration dependent degradation of all polymers investigated. The oxidative degradation may not be relevant in the short-term usage of these polymers but mid- and long-term biodegradability in vivo appears possible. References[1] Ulbricht, J.; Jordan, R.; Luxenhofer, R. Biomaterials 2014  , in print, DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.02.029.

Comparing the degradation of poly(2-oxazoline)s and polypeptoids with polyethylene glycol and other biomaterials

248th National Meeting (2014)

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