BIODEGRADABLE POLYACETAL POLYMERS AND FORMATION AND USE

摘要

The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating mammals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals. A meth od for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals combines a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating mammals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can b e disposed.