Polyglycidol, Its Derivatives, and Polyglycidol-Containing Copolymers—Synthesis and Medical Applications

Abstract

Polyglycidol (or polyglycerol) is a biocompatible polymer with a main chain structure similar to that of poly(ethylene oxide) but with a -CH 2 OH reactive side group in every structural unit. The hydroxyl groups in polyglycidol not only increase the hydrophilicity of this polymer but also allow for its modification, leading to polymers with carboxyl, amine, and vinyl groups, as well as to polymers with bonded aliphatic chains, sugar moieties, and covalently immobilized bioactive compounds in particular proteins. The paper describes the current state of knowledge on the synthesis of polyglycidols with various topology (linear, branched, and star-like) and with various molar masses. We provide information on polyglycidol-rich surfaces with protein-repelling properties. We also describe methods for the synthesis of polyglycidol-containing copolymers and the preparation of nano-and microparticles that could be derived from these copolymers. The paper summarizes recent advances in the application of polyglycidol and polyglycidol-containing polymers as drug carriers, reagents for diagnostic systems, and elements of biosensors.

Beyond PEGylation: Alternative surface-modification of nanoparticles with mucus-inert biomaterials

“…Polyglycidols (PGs) are hydrophilic aliphatic polyether polyols that can potentially be synthesised with both branched and linear architecture (Figure 8) [84]. These materials were found to be highly biocompatible in a variety of both in vitro and in vivo assays [85].…”

Biochemical functionality of magnetic particles as nanosensors: how far away are we to implement them into clinical practice?

“…Polyglycerol has a chain structure similar to polyethylene glycol (PEG). The advantage of PG is its optimal hydrophilicity, stability and resistance to non-specific adsorption of proteins [44]. A simple one-step synthetic approach for PG is anionic ring opening polymerization, which results in a hyperbranched polymer.…”

Deepening the insight into poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) synthesis and self-assemblies: micelles, worms and vesicles

“…It exhibits better antifouling properties due to a reduced protein adsorption, [21][22][23][24] predestining it for the use in biomedical applications. 16,25 PG is structurally similar to PEO, but exhibits an enhanced hydrophilicity because of the additional hydroxymethyl moieties on every repeating unit. Its synthesis starts from the anionic ringopening polymerisation (AROP) of easy-to-handle protected glycidol derivatives like 1-ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE), tert butyl glycidyl ether (tBGE) or allyl glycidyl ether (AGE).…”