Combinatorial and rational approaches to polymer synthesis for medicine

Abstract

High-throughput, combinatorial methods have revolutionized small molecule synthesis and drug discovery. By combining automation, miniaturization, and parallel synthesis techniques, large collections of new compounds have been synthesized and screened. It is becoming increasingly clear that these same approaches can also assist the discovery and development of novel biomaterials for medicine. This review examines combinatorial and rational polymer synthesis for medical applications, including stem cell engineering and nucleic acid drug delivery.

Figure 1

Polyarylates were synthesized by the condensation of tyrosine-derived diphenols and aliphatic diacids. Reproduced pending permission from [3].

Figure 2

Enzymatic copolymerization of lactones, divinyl esters, and glycols was performed using lipase as catalyst to produce ester copolymers. Reproduced pending permission from [13].

Figure 3

A schematic of the continuous composition gradient deposition process. Reproduced pending permission from [15].

Figure 4

Poly(β-amino ester)s were synthesized by the conjugate addition of primary or bis(secondary amines) to diacrylates. Reproduced with permission from [42].