A study was conducted to develop a polymer synthesis scheme that requires simple adjustments in chemical composition, to achieve a wide range of material properties. The study described a process for the synthesis of xylitol-based polymers. Xylitol is studied in terms of biocompatibility and pharmacokinetics in human beings. It was observed that it is a metabolic intermediate in the mammalian carbohydrate metabolism with a daily endogenous production of 5-15 g in adult human beings. It was demonstrated that the entry of xylitol into metabolic pathways is slow and independent of insulin,without causing rapid fluctuations of blood glucose levels.

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doi.org/10.1002/adma.200702377, hdl.handle.net/1765/14691
Advanced Materials
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Bruggeman, J., Bettinger, C., Nijst, C., Kohane, D., & Langer, R. (2008). Biodegradable xylitol-based polymers. Advanced Materials, 20(10), 1922–1927. doi:10.1002/adma.200702377