Influence of structure and nature of pseudo-poly(amino acid)s on size and morphology of their particle in self-stabilized aqueous dispersions

Polyester pseudo-poly(amino acid)s due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility are promising materials for the development of dispersed systems for drug delivery. It is essential for drug delivery systems to reach the target site within a certain period before they are eliminated or degraded. Biodegradable materials should meet the following criteria: (1) possess surface-active properties; (2) be non-toxic; (3) form self-stabilized dispersions with the size of the dispersed phase in the range of 10–100 nm. Polyesters based on N-derivatives of dicarboxylic α-amino acids and hydrophilic PEG diols modified with phosphate group meet the requirements to the dispersed drug delivery systems. Obtained polyesters have a complex architecture consisting of hydrophilic fragments, which stabilize the system, and lipophilic fragments, which solubilize biologically active substances. The phosphate group introduced into the hydrophilic chain of polyoxyethylene glycol provides chemisorption of a number of biologically active substances due to the formation of ionic bonds between them. Synthesized polyesters form self-stabilized dispersed systems, which do not require additional stabilizing agents when used for medical applications.