EROSION-STABILIZED BIOADHESIVE POLYMERS FUNCTIONALIZED OR BLENDED WITH CATECHOL AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF

摘要

Polymers with improved bioadhesive properties and methods for improving bioadhesion of polymers have been developed. Such bioadhesive polymers can be stabilized against erosion, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, by incorporating one or more additives selected from (1) polyanhydrides, such as those having a molecular weight average in excess of 20,000, (2) acidic components, (3) metal compounds, (4) stabilizing polymers, and (5) hydrophobic components. By stabilizing bioadhesive polymers against erosion, residence time at tissue surfaces can be further increased. The stabilized polymers are also useful to maintain the drug release rate-controlling properties for a prolonged period of time.