Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Biodegradable Polyamides Containing α-amino Acid

Abstract

The polyamides were obtained from 1,6-hexanediamine and diacylchloride which incorporated α -amino acid residues through interfacial polycondensation. High molecular weight (ηinh = 1.05–1.18 dL/g) polymers were produced with high yields. The structure of polyamides was verified by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. They showed a remarkable ability to develop high crystallinity with melting temperatures in the range 117–191°C and was stable up to 350°C under nitrogen. Two methods such as alkali hydrolysis (10% NaOH w/v, 80°C) and enzymatic hydrolysis were employed for assessing the susceptibility of these polyamides to degradation. A preliminary investigation of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) release characteristics of these polyamides showed that the release rate increased with increasing water absorption of the polymers.