Cyclic and Alternating Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Polymers
CA PLGA
Opportunity
Available for Licensing
TRL: 3
IP Status
US Utility Patent Pending (Not Yet Published)
Inventors
Yaman Peksenar
At A Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cyclic and alternating poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer. This new PLGA copolymer, CA-PLGA has a uniform degradation profile, which makes it an ideal material for biomedical and drug release applications. The CA-PLGA copolymer also has a higher thermal stability. Block copolymers formed from this cyclic and alternating PLGA may also self-assemble into micelles, which may also be studied for drug delivery devices and biomedical devices.
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Background
Linear poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is FDA approved for medical applications. However, linear polymers have chain ends, which is the key starting point of hydrolysis and degradation of linear polymers. These linear polymers thus have an inconsistent drug release profile as most of the drug is delivered too early, due to the quick hydrolysis of the linear polymer chain ends.
Technology Overview
The cyclic copolymer units in the new CA-PGLA do not have chain ends, there is a much slower and controlled hydrolysis reaction, leading to a sustained and consistent and uniform drug release profile. Furthermore, traditional purification techniques of polymers lead to by-products. Researchers have optimized the separation of the cyclic polymers from linear contaminants.
Synthesis and methods of CA-PGLA are proprietary, please contact our office to learn more.
Benefits
- Sustained and uniform drug delivery method
- No prohibitive increase in viscosity
- Higher glass transition temperature
- Potential self-assembly into nanostructures such as micelles
- Purification and isolation of cyclic ensures copolymer uniformity and predictability
Applications
- Drug delivery devices
- Surgical sutures
- Tissue supports
- Compostable cups and cutlery
Last updated: June 2022
Add keywords or various names of inventors here (text is hidden)
Polymer, cyclic polymer, macrocycle, PLGA, drug delivery, medical device, biomedical material
Tolmar, johnson and johnson, Pfizer, Bayer, 3M