Molecular calculations of poly(ethylene glycol) transport across a swollen poly(acrylic acid)/mucin interface

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 1998;9(6):535-42. doi: 10.1163/156856298x00028.

Abstract

The transport of poly(ethylene glycol) chains than can promote mucoadhesion across the interface between lightly cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) and mucin may be analyzed as a function of molecular characteristics using theories of chain penetration in a dilute network. The fracture energy for the ensuing adhesive bond is proportional to the number of polymer chains crossing the interface, which, in turn, is related to the polymer volume fraction, the chain diffusion coefficient, and the degree of polymerization. Relevant calculations were performed for a number of cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) gels and three different types of poly(ethylene glycol) chains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Diffusion
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Mucins / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Mucins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • carbopol 940