Polysuccinimide

Polysuccinimide (PSI), commonly synthesized through thermal polymerization, is a polyimide precursor for the production of such biocompatible and degradable polymers namely polyaspartic acid and various polyaspartamides. Polyaspartic acid is produced by hydrolysis of PSI under alkaline condition while polyaspartamide is produced by ring opening of PSI using a nucleophilic reagent. The presence of amide linkages in these polymers gives them peptide-like structures which is prone to hydrolysis and subsequent degradation. These derivatives could be potential substitutes for different polyamino acids in many medical applications.

Polysuccinimide (PSI) has been used for a variety of applications including:

• As a nanocarrier or microcarrier delivery vehicle in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agriculture (agrochemical) fields
• As electrospun fibers, films, meshes or mats for wound healing applications
• As nanofibers for electronic and biosensor applications
• As a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to non-degradable polymers