Hybrid dendritic-linear polyester-ethers for in situ photopolymerization

Novel first through fourth generation hybrid dendritic-linear copolymers, composed entirely of building blocks known to be biocompatible or degradable to natural metabolites in vivo, are described. Specifically, these copolymers are composed of poly(ethylene glycol), glycerol, and succinic acid and are synthesized using a divergent approach in high yield. A photo-cross-linkable derivative of this copolymer successfully seals 4.1 mm corneal lacerations. The mechanism of tissue repair is likely one of physical entrapment where an interpenetrating network (IPN) is formed between the cross-linked copolymer and the tissue. Copyright © 2002 American Chemical Society.