Tunable, semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNS) for medicine and biotechnology

摘要

The present invention provides a class of semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks that include a linear polymer molecule functionalized with a bioactive moiety. The linear polymer is physically entangled within a matrix based upon a thermo-responsive polymer. The bioactive moiety is, e.g., a therapeutic moiety or a moiety that enhances the interaction of a cell with the polymer network. The polymer networks of the invention are flowable at room temperature, becoming solid or semi-solid at elevated temperatures (e.g., body temperature). The polymer networks are of use as drug delivery vehicles and as matrices for tissue engineering.