Evaluation of GS-loaded poly1-hexene as a new elastomeric drug release system

Abstract

In this study, one of the higher Poly α-olefins, poly1-hexene (PHex), was rationalized for possible application in in-vitro drug delivery system. In this aspect, PHex was synthesized using a conventional TiCl₄/MgCl₂/TEAL Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The synthesized polymer was characterized by NMR, GPC, and cellular toxicity methods. Then, the effect of triethylcitrate and glycerin plasticizers on the topography, water vapor permeation and water sorption properties of the prepared fabricates was investigated. Finally, in-vitro drug release characteristic of the gentamicin loaded PHex and PHex/TEC samples was evaluated during eight days. Obtained results highlighted the potential of PHex elastomer in developing medical devices with enhanced drug release characteristics.

Keywords:

• Poly1-hexene
• Ziegler-Natta catalyst
• drug delivery system
• polyolefin
• biocompatibility
• cell culture
• MTT
• gentamicin

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Naeimeh Bahri-Laleh thanks Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI) for the granting of the project.