Dendritic polymers composed of glycerol and succinic acid: Synthetic methodologies and medical applications

Research on dendrimers continues to expand as further advances in synthetic methodology and characterization techniques translate to additional applications. Recently, dendritic polymers composed of the natural metabolites glycerol and succinic acid were synthesized, functionalized, and evaluated as new medical materials. The design and synthesis of poly(glycerol-succinic acid) dendritic polymers are discussed, including comparing and contrasting the convergent versus the divergent methodologies for preparing such macromolecules. Finally, a photocrosslinkable dendritic macromolecule was prepared and successfully used to close linear corneal lacerations as well as to secure LASIK flaps.