Molecular Design and Attributes of Tailored Properties

Novel hydrogel-forming, self-solvating, absorbable copolyesters have been developed that are capable of selective, segmental association into a compli- 

By varying the concentration of the solid carrier, the hydrogel formulahon can be tailored to exhibit a broader range of properties and release profiles that allow its use in a variety of applications.  

An optional third component to the polymer system is a low molecular weight, absorbable, block copolyester that serves as a plashcizer. Such a copolymer has hydrophilic and hydrophobic components that are similar or identical to those of the base copolymer, with the exception of having a higher hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio. This optional component can modulate the rheological properhes, gel-formation time, and mechanical disposition of the primary copolymer at the site of application. In addition, this component can  

In short, this third optional component of the system is yet another means by which one may tailor the hydrogel forming system to meet the specific needs of an application.  

A further feature of PEG-based copolyesters is that since the copolymers comprised self-solvating molecules, their conversion to a hydrogel about a drug provides a uniform distribution of the therapeutic agent and thus a more predictable release profile. This is in contrast to conventional systems in which the presence of leachable solvents leads to complex physical events that can alter the kinetics of the system.  

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