Patent ID: 8629151

Claim:
A compound that comprises a structure as in formula (I): wherein R 1 =H, OH, SH, NH 2 , or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, or alkylamino; R 2 =H, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; Y=N or C; R 3 is absent if Y=N; or is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, or combined with R 4 to form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the carbon atoms of the pyridine ring to which they are connected if Y=C; R 4 is H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, or alkylamino when not combined with R 3 to form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the carbon atoms of the pyridine ring to which they are connected; or is combined with R 3 to form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the carbon atoms of the pyridine ring to which they are connected; and R 8 is a biodegradable polymer or unit thereof, wherein the biodegradable polymer or unit thereof comprises a polyester, polycarbonate, or a polyamide, or unit thereof.