Enzymatically degradable polymers

Enzymatically Degradable Polymers. The introduction of chit-osan in the cationic polymer backbone has been used as a way to obtain enzymatically degradable polymers. The chitosan backbone was copolymerized with DMEMA side-chains to obtain an enzymatically degradable vector with improved endosomal escape properties. 

Colon specific delivery gained inaeasing significance for the managanent colonic diseases, such as colorectal amebiasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn s disease and cancer [34], Various approaches are used for targeting drugs to the colon include enzymatically degradable polymers ... 

Tan, L., Chen, Y, Ahou, W., Nie, H., Li, R, and He, X. (2010) Novel poly(butylene succinate-co-lactic acid) copolyesters Synthesis, crystallization, and enzymatic degradation. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95 1920-1927. 

Kopedek, J. Polymer Analogous Reactions Leading to Enzymatically Degradable Polymers, presented at Int.- Symp. Macromolecular Chemistry. Tashkent, USSR, October 17-21, 1978... 

While the previous section dealt with the structural elements that define enzyme-responsive polymers, here we will introduce different methods that can be used to integrate an enzyme-responsive functionality with a polymeric material. These methods are placed into three groups. The first method deals with the preparation of enzymatically degradable polymers, the second introduces strategies to incorporate enzyme-responsive linkers into the polymer and the third explores ways to prepare enzyme-responsive polymers enzymatically. 

To date, two main approaches have been adopted for developing enzyme-responsive materials. In the first and most common approach, the nanocarrier itself is sensitive to enzymatic transformation. This is achieved by the use of either an enzymatically degradable polymer or enzymatically sensitive linkers between the drug and the polymer. 

Artificial skin substitutes and wound dressings made of biodegradable polymeric materials have been developed to treat bums. So far, most of the commercially available artificial skins have been composed of biodegradable polymers, such as collagen and chitin, which are enzymatically degradable polymers [53, 54]. 

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