Abstract: On the basis of the preparation of poly(ether-anhydride) gels, two synthesized photocrosslinkable hydrophobic monomers were added respectively to copolymerize with poly(ether-anhydride) macromers under UV irradiation to form crosslinked gel networks. Accordingly, swelling capacity and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of gels were modified and the compatibility between hydrophobic drugs and gels was regulated. The hydrophobic drug indomathecin was post-loaded in the gel networks as a model drug, which was proved to be distributed in an amorphous or molecular state by employing X-ray diffraction. It was tested that the drug loading and encapsulation efficacy in the modified gels were increased, and the dissolution rate from the gels was effectively improved. Compared to the pure poly(ether-anhydride) gels, in vitro drug release behavior from the modified gels was delayed and more suitable for clinical application.

Key words: Poly(ether-anhydride), Hydrophobic monomer, Photocrosslinked gel, Drug loading