Biodegradable polyanhydrides were fabricated into disks, coatings, microspheres, and tubes for controlled drug delivery as well as enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. The polymer systems were evaluated as potential treatments for periodontal disease, orthopedic injuries, nerve regeneration, and biofilm formation. The polymers contained the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), salicylic acid and the antibiotic, ampicillin, in the polymer backbone, which are subsequently released as the polymers degrade. Significantly, the polymers can be fabricated into these different geometries that would not be possible with the drug molecules alone.

This dissertation characterizes the in vitro degradation of the polyanhydrides specifically for the multiple applications. Polymer degradation was monitored by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for final degradation products. The effect of physically admixing additional drugs into the polymer matrix was studied as well, where the admixed drugs were delineated from the chemically incorporated drugs by HPLC. Accelerated in vitro degradation rates were developed using highly basic media.

Mechanical and thermal properties were examined for potential orthopedic and nerve applications. The compliance and modulus of polymer blends and composites were measured to characterize the flexibility and strength of each system. Additionally, properties, such as glass transition temperature (T_g) and decomposition temperature (T_d) were measured to monitor polymer changes as a result of processing and degradation.

Overall, the fundamental chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of each polyanhydride system were monitored. This dissertation describes the optimization of controlled drug release rates for specific applications through composites and blends of ceramics (hydroxyapatite), drugs (antimicrobials and NSAIDs), and polymers (polyanhydrides).