In Vivo Degradation and Elimination of Injectable Ricinoleic Acid-Based Poly(ester-anhydride)

The in vivo degradation and elimination after subcutaneous implantation of injectable p(SA-RA) 3:7 copolymer in rats, followed by characterization of the polymer matrix composition during hydrolysis and erosion, is reported. Major chemical changes were observed during the first few days post implantation, the anhydride bonds hydrolyzed along with about 45% weight loss and a significant decrease in the molecular weight. 1H NMR spectral analysis was used to determine the structures and content of ricinoleic acid containing oligomeric chains present in the degraded polymer. The polymer degrades into ester oligomers of 2–4 ricinoleic acid units which further degrade to ricinoleic acid, a natural fatty acid. The polymer hydrolytic degradation process fit the in vitro degradation process.