Controlled release systems of biodegradable polymers - 4th communication: Hydrophobic and hydrophilic polylactides for drug delivery systems

Modified polyesters of lactic acids can be synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L,L- dr D,L-dilactide in presence of fatty alcohols and polyethylene glycols, respectively. In dependence on the chemical structure of the modifying component these polylactides show not only higher hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity than the unmodified polyester but also other galenically relevant properties. The biodegradation and release properties of selected modified polylactides were determined in dependence on the polymer structure.