Biodegradable poly(beta-amino esters) and uses thereof

Abstract

Poly(β-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compound of formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R 1  is an alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is a saturated, straight- or branched-chain, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety; 
 linker B is a polymer; 
 n results in a molecular weight of the compound ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; 
 
       and salts thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The compound of  claim 1 , wherein linker B is the polymer of a substituted or unsubstituted chain of 1-15 atoms, which chain may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, trialkylamino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, halogen, aryl, heterocyclic, aromatic heterocyclic, cyano, amide, carbamoyl, carboxylic acid, ester, thioether, alkylthioether, thiol, and ureido groups. 
     
     
         3 . The compound of  claim 1 , wherein R 1  is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of heteroaryl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, dialkylamino, and heterocyclic moieties. 
     
     
         4 . The compound of  claim 3 , wherein the substituent is further substituted. 
     
     
         5 . The compound of  claim 4 , wherein the substituent is further substituted with a hydroxyl group.