Presentation of Research Results at MIPOL 2026!
As part of the activities related to the LIDER XIV project, Prof. Dr. Izabela Zaborniak and PhD student Michał Sroka participated in the Milan Polymer Days 2026 – MIPOL 2026 conference, presenting research results on the design of sucrose-core branched polymers for applications in modified drug release systems.
Prof. Dr. Izabela Zaborniak delivered an invited lecture entitled “Tailor-made pH-responsive branched polymers for controlled release systems”, focusing on pH-responsive polymers developed as advanced platforms for the modified release of active pharmaceutical ingredients, with particular emphasis on controlled release within the gastrointestinal tract.
The presented research focused on the use of ionizable functional groups, such as acrylic acid and tertiary amines, which influence polymer swelling, degradation, and interactions between the polymer matrix and the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), branched, star-shaped sucrose-core polymers are being developed, containing ionic segments and complementary non-ionic components within their copolymer arms to improve the solubility, biocompatibility, and stability of the materials.
PhD student Michał Sroka delivered a presentation entitled “Cationic sucrose-containing polymers for modified release drug delivery systems”, focusing on sucrose-core branched cationic polymers inspired by the structure and properties of Eudragit® E-type polymers – linear, random copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA), and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA).
Under low-pH conditions characteristic of the gastric environment, these polymers undergo a conformational transition from a compact, globular form to a more extended structure as a result of the protonation of amino groups. This property can be exploited in the design of modified-release solid dosage forms.
The lectures provided an opportunity to present the latest research findings, exchange scientific expertise, and discuss the potential of sucrose-core branched polymers for the development of advanced drug delivery systems.
The activities were funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) under the LIDER XIV project (contract no. LIDER14/0058/2023).
More information:
https://x.com/Chmielarz_Group/status/2072302074860073194
https://x.com/Chmielarz_Group/status/2072421202480509204