Polymer device degradation methods

Molecular and multi-scale modelling methods of polymer device degradation... 

Hydrophobic polymers are often used to deliver biomacromolecules regardless of the route of administration. The rapid transit time of approximately 8 hours limits the time of a device in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, consequently the mechanisms possible for oral drug release are limited. The predominant method of release from hydrophobic polymers has been degradation, or biodegradation, of a polymeric matrix by hydrolysis (Figure 11.1). In fact, all of the hydrophobic polymers described in this chapter for use as oral protein or peptide delivery are hydrolytically unstable. 

Polymers that are protease inhibitors and polymer-inhibitor conjugates are now widely investigated for their ability to protect proteins and peptides from proteolytic degradation. These molecules are effective in the immediate area surrounding the delivery device, so the effects on proteins that have diffused far from the delivery device are limited. Due to the fact that bioadhesives were used as the conjugating polymer, the delivery device may adhere to the intestinal lining. If this does happen, the diffusional distance of the protein from the device to the intestinal wall will be quite short. One barrier that the protease inhibitors do not affect is the cellular barrier. Biomacromolecules must still find a method to enter the cells or be taken up by phagocytosis. 

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