Objective
Research objectives and content
1. Synthesis of PLA/PEO/PLA or PCL/PEO/PCL triblock copolymers. 2. Characterization of the copolymers by various analytical techniques. 3. Formation of hydrogels in the presence of a drug. 4. Study of the release of the drugs. The synthesis of the triblock copolymers will be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of DL-lactide or e-caprolactone in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol), using no-toxic Zn metal or calcium hydride as co-initiator instead of the stannous octoate which is no really convenient for human therapy The composition of the copolymers will be varied by adjusting the polyester/polyether ratio. Degradable hydrogels will be prepared in the presence of the drug by the method established in the laboratory. The study of the release of the drug from the degradable hydrogels will be carried out at 37 0C in a pH 7.1 phosphate buffer or in pure water. In a first stage, albumen will be taken as a model compound of large size proteins. This model protein will be entrapped in the hydrophilic part of the hydrogel and its release characteristics will be investigated. In a second stage, progesterone or oestradiol will be entrapped in the lipophilic microphase formed by PLA nodules and release characteristics will be investigated. In the last phase both model compounds will be entrapped simultaneously and release characteristics investigated.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The candidate will be trained in polymer science including synthesis and characterization by usual methods. The candidate will also be trained in drug delivery using new galenic approaches based on degradable and bioresorbable polymers. The applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to in vivo pharmakinetics investigations. The research activities of the candidate will be under the supervisor of Dr. Suming Li, CNRS charge de Recherche (Senior Scientist) and of Dr. Michel Vert (Research Professor)
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Patent applications were filled up) by the CNRS (Fr 95/14144; PCT/Fr 96/01901) which cover the process to make the hydrogel formulation with hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs or both. Several companies have said being interested if more data can be collected (Rhone Poulenc Rorer, Ethylpharm)
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbioplasticspolylactic acid
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metals
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryaliphatic compounds
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
34060 MONTPELLIER
France