PEG-benzofulvene copolymer hydrogels for antibody delivery.

Poly[monomethylnona(ethylene glycol) 1-methylene-3-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-indene-2-carboxylate] (poly-1b) a new polymer based on a PEG-functionalized benzofulvene macromonomer have been investigated as hydrogel-based material for complexation and release of immunoglobulin (IgG) at physiological mimicking conditions. The polymer ability to complex human IgG has been studied by preparing copolymer/protein complexes obtained by spontaneous protein interactions onto polymer hydrogel aggregates, and the protein release rate has been evaluated at physiological conditions. SEM analysis was used to visualize the copolymer/IgG aggregates and its microstructured deposition. Moreover, rheological studies performed at 37 degrees C allowed determining hydrogel mechanical properties. On the basis of these information and NMR transverse relaxation measurements, the estimation of hydrogel mesh size distribution was possible. Finally, biological studies performed with poly-1b aqueous dispersions showed no cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell line, suggesting potential biocompatibility features for this polymer and making this new polymer a good potential candidate for the production of drug delivery systems.