The influence of paclitaxel on hydrolytic degradation in matrices obtained from aliphatic polyesters and polyester carbonates.

Biodegradable polymers have become common materials used in pharmacy and medicine due to their properties such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility and non-toxic degradation products. Different compositions of copolymers and also their chain microstructure may have an effect on matrices degradation and thus on the drug release profile. In our study, we aimed at the influence of paclitaxel content on hydrolytic degradation process of terpolymeric matrices. Hydrolytic degradation of three kinds of matrices (with 5 or 10% of paclitaxel and drug free matrices) prepared from three types of terpolymers was performed in vitro at 37 degrees C in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7,4). The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of terpolymers were recorded. Thermal properties were monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Molecular weight dispersity (D) and molecular weight were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The surface morphology was studied by means of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The most significant degradation was observed in case of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) 44:32:24. Weight loss and water uptake were similar in the event of the same type of matrices obtained from the two poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-TMC). Decelerated paclitaxel release in case of matrices with 51:26:23 molar ratio was noticed and it can be connected with higher content of carbonate units. Knowledge of paclitaxel influence on hydrolytic degradation process may contribute to receive valuable information about its release mechanisms from biodegradable terpolymers.