Sustained release of protein from poly(ethylene glycol) incorporated amphiphilic comb like polymers

Amphiphilic comb like macromonomer containing hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) groups covalently linked to poly(hydromethyl siloxane) (PHMS) were prepared by hydrosilylation reaction. The epoxy reacting sites were introduced to this amphiphilic system by the reaction with allyl epoxy propyl ether (AEPE). Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model protein drug was loaded to the PEG–PDMS system and very thin membranes were made from this macromonomer adopting solution casting technique. The in vitro protein release studies at various pH conditions showed a controlled release profile without exhibiting any initial burst. The control of the initial burst might be due to the strong linkages of the protein with the membrane and the aggregation of the protein at the surface. The morphology of the membrane before and after the protein release, and the mechanical strength were evaluated. The surface properties of the membrane were studied using the contact angle measurements.