Recent Advances in Polyphosphoester Biomaterials

Abstract

Polyphosphoesters (PPEs) designed by mimicking to the main chain of naturally occurring nucleic acids have attracted attention as new biodegradable polymers. Thanks to the molecular design capabilities of PPEs, the half-life times of the polymer from less than a day to several years. It has been also clarified that hydrophilic PPEs show excellent anti-fouling properties requied for biomaterials. Polymer assemblies for DDS and polymer-protein conjugates have been prepared using PPEs. Furthermore, macromolecular bone targeting and ³¹P MRI observetion with PPEs have deen demonstrated as new biomedical applications. Here, recent advaces in PPEs studies for biomaterials are summarized.