pH-dependent sustained release characteristics of disulfide polymers prepared by simple thermal polymerization.

Biocompatible polymers have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery systems. The discovery of a novel polymer with innovative properties can provide great opportunities to enhance drug efficacy as well as reduce side effects. In this study, a novel disulfide polymer was synthesized and characterized. Its monomer is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which is synthesized in all cells in the human body. The disulfide polymer was obtained by the simple thermal polymerization of crystalline particles at a temperature higher than its melting point, followed by precipitation purification. It had rubbery and sticky characteristics. In vitro release tests demonstrated that the disulfide polymer had both pH-dependent degradation and related sustained release profiles, with a degraded form of ALA. Therefore, this novel class of responsive polymers that can be prepared by simple thermal polymerization has pronounced potential to contribute to future drug delivery systems.