5992.1:
Design of controlled release delivery systems based on hyperbranched polymers
Abstract
Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) can be obtained at commercially reasonable prices, and, like their perfect dendrimer analogues, offer a combination of controlled end-group functionality and an intrinsically globular structure, leading to nanoparticle-like physical behaviour. They therefore offer exciting new possibilities for the nano-encapsulation and the controlled release of a large variety of active molecules with many different chemical functionalities. As compared with the numerous conventional systems that have so far been investigated as delivery systems of active materials, HBPs are particularly interesting for the preparation of tailor-made amphiphilic nanocomposites for various practical applications. The aim of this project is to identify and develop promising HBP molecular architectures for the efficient controlled release of active compounds, based on a fundamental understanding of the essential factors governing their mobility, selectivity and self-organisation at the nanometric scale.