Tuning salicylate‐based polymers to overcome lag time and extend release via copolymers and polymer blends

This work describes how physicochemical properties of salicylate‐based poly(anhydride‐esters) (PAEs) can be tuned for drug delivery and optimized by comparing copolymerization with polymer blending. These alterations reduced the lag time of drug release, while still maintaining a long‐term drug release profile. The chemical composition of the copolymers and polymer blends was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and additional properties such as molecular weight, glass transition temperature and contact angle measurements were obtained. In vitro salicylic acid release from the copolymers and blends is studied in an environment mimicking physiological conditions. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015 , 53, 685–689