Validation and optimization of a polymer system for potential use as a controlled drug-delivery system.

A room temperature polymerizing system consisting of polyethylmethacrylate (PEM) and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (THFMA) monomer was validated for use as a drug-delivery system. The effect of gelling PEM/THFMA copolymers with a more hydrophilic monomer, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), was also investigated. The release of growth hormone (GH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein from this polymer has been studied. The polymer has the advantage of high water absorption and low shrinkage properties. Changes in release profiles have been studied by introducing structural differences in the polymer by changing the mixing technique. The stability and bioactivity of the GH incorporated have been examined at various temperatures. To optimize release profiles further, the possibility of attaining a more sustained and controllable release by varying the ratios of polymer used has also been investigated.