Abstract Novel azo polymers were prepared for colonic drug delivery with a release mechanism based on structural features of azo derivatives designed for rapid bacterial degradation leading to soluble polymers. Two Salicylazo derivatives were prepared and conjugated as side chains at different ratios to methacrylic acid—methyl methacrylate copolymers (Eudragits). The azo compounds were designed to have a hydrophilic and a ...