Synthesis and characterization of stimuli-sensitive micro-/nano-particles by covalent cross-linking of maleic copolymers

New pH- and thermo-sensitive copolymers of maleic acid with N-vinylcaprolactam will be synthesized, characterized and then used for the obtaining of stimuli-responsive micro-/nano-gels by chemical cross-linking. By attaching thermosensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) oligomers on the pH-sensitive microgels based on maleic copolymers, dual stimuli-responsive systems will be also obtained.

Obtaining and characterization of micro-/nano-particles based on interpolymer complexes

The hydrogen-bonding interaction between maleic acid copolymers and water-soluble polymers with thermo-responsive properties will be used in order to obtain mucoadhesive micro-/nano-particles. The influence of the temperature and of the pH on the kinetics of drug release from the particles will be studied in order to estimate their targeting capacity.