Reactive oxygen species‐responsive degradable poly(amino acid)s for biomedical use

Abstract A series of reactive oxygen species‐responsive degradable poly(amino acid)s (PAAs) was synthesized via in situ melting polycondensation. The PAAs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property analysis. The degradation and biocompatibility of the PAAs were also studied to evaluate their applicability as biomedical materials. The results show that the PAAs possessed semicrystalline amide structures, and the PAA melting temperature decreased gradually with increasing methionine loading. The incorporation of methionine decreased the thermal stability of the matrix, leading to decreases in both the initial and maximum degradation temperatures. The mechanical properties of the PAAs deteriorated as the content of methionine increased. The content of methionine had an obvious effect on PAA degradation, and the PAAs were responsive to the reactive oxygen‐rich environment, suggesting that the incorporation of methionine is effective at improving the degradation of PAAs. The PAAs showed great in vitro and in vivo biocompatibilities. Based on the results, these polymers show promise as high‐performance materials for biomedical applications.