Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable and charged salen‐based polymers

The goal of this study was to synthesize novel biodegradable charged polymers for medical applications. The polymers synthesized were metal‐coordinated salicylidene‐based copolymers. The linear copolymers were prepared by polycondensation of the metal‐coordinated salicylidene monomer with acyl or aryl dichloride. Structure analysis was carried out by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, FTIR, and elemental analysis. Physicochemical evaluation was carried out using DSC and thermogravimetry. The surface properties were analyzed by contact angle measurements and the crystallinity was determined by polarizing microscopy and AFM. Finally, polymer electrical conductivity and biocompatibility were examined. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2568–2577, 2006