Poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride)

Synonyms: Butyl ester of poly(methylvinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride); calcium and sodium salts of poly(methylvinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride); Gantrez.

Description: In the solid state, poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) copolymers are a white to off-white free flowing, odorless, hygroscopic powders. In solution, poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) is a slightly hazy, odorless, viscous liquid.

Chemical Name: 

Bioadhesive material; color dispersant; complexing agent; emulsion stabilizer; film-forming agent; viscosity-increasing agent.

• Poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) copolymers and derivatives are used in denture adhesive bases, controlled-release coatings, enteric coatings, ostomy adhesives, transdermal patches, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and transdermal gels.
• Gantrez AN-119 has been used to manufacture specific bioadhesive ligand-nanoparticle conjugates to aid gastrointestinal retention for oral drug delivery applications.
• Gantrez has also been used to develop novel polyethylene surface-modified medical devices with enhanced hydrophilicity and wettability.

Poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) and copolymers are incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and reducing agents, concentrated nitric acid, sulfuric acid, nitrofoam, oleum, potassium t-butoxide, aluminum, aluminum triisopropoxide, and crotonaldehyde. In addition, the anhydride will hydrolyze in water to form a water-soluble free acid that can subsequently be ionized to form salts in the presence of cations (Naþ, Zn2þ, Ca2þ, and Al3þ). Excessive addition of bivalent and trivalent metal ions to aqueous solution will result in precipitation, particularly in solutions containing high polymer concentrations.

Poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) and copolymers are widely used in a diverse range of topical and oral pharmaceutical formulations. These copolymers are generally regarded as nontoxic and nonirritant. Moreover, the dry powders and aqueous solutions are nonirritating with the exception of ES, MS, and A grades, which are irritating to the eye and may cause tissue damage.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Excessive dust generation should be avoided when using powders, and an appropriate ventilation area and dust mask are recommended. Hand and eye protection is also recommended.