Synthesis and in vitro drug release behavior of amphiphilic triblock copolymer nanoparticles based on poly (ethylene glycol) and polycaprolactone

New Advances in Biomedical Application of Polymeric Micelles

In the last decade, nanomedicine has arisen as an emergent area of medicine, which studies nanometric systems, namely polymeric micelles (PMs), that increase the solubility and the stability of the encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, their application in dermal drug delivery is also relevant. PMs present unique characteristics because of their unique core-shell architecture. They are colloidal dispersions of amphiphilic compounds, which self-assemble in an aqueous medium, giving a structure-type core-shell, with a hydrophobic core (that can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs), and a hydrophilic shell, which works as a stabilizing agent. These features offer PMs adequate steric protection and determine their hydrophilicity, charge, length, and surface density properties. Furthermore, due to their small size, PMs can be absorbed by the intestinal mucosa with the drug, and they transport the drug in the bloodstream until the therapeutic target. Moreover, PMs improve the pharmacokinetic profile of the encapsulated drug, present high load capacity, and are synthesized by a reproducible, easy, and low-cost method. In silico approaches have been explored to improve the physicochemical properties of PMs. Based on this, a computer-aided strategy was developed and validated to enable the delivery of poorly soluble drugs and established critical physicochemical parameters to maximize drug loading, formulation stability, and tumor exposure. Poly(2-oxazoline) (POx)-based PMs display unprecedented high loading concerning water-insoluble drugs and over 60 drugs have been incorporated in POx PMs. Among various stimuli, pH and temperature are the most widely studied for enhanced drug release at the site of action. Researchers are focusing on dual (pH and temperature) responsive PMs for controlled and improved drug release at the site of action. These dual responsive systems are mainly evaluated for cancer therapy as certain malignancies can cause a slight increase in temperature and a decrease in the extracellular pH around the tumor site. This review is a compilation of updated therapeutic applications of PMs, such as PMs that are based on Pluronics^®, micelleplexes and Pox-based PMs in several biomedical applications.

Recent Advances in Nanomicelles Delivery Systems

The efficient and selective delivery of therapeutic drugs to the target site remains the main obstacle in the development of new drugs and therapeutic interventions. Up until today, nanomicelles have shown their prospective as nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to their small size, good biocompatibility, and capacity to effectively entrap lipophilic drugs in their core. Nanomicelles are formed via self-assembly in aqueous media of amphiphilic molecules into well-organized supramolecular structures. Molecular weights and structure of the core and corona forming blocks are important properties that will determine the size of nanomicelles and their shape. Selective delivery is achieved via novel design of various stimuli-responsive nanomicelles that release drugs based on endogenous or exogenous stimulations such as pH, temperature, ultrasound, light, redox potential, and others. This review summarizes the emerging micellar nanocarriers developed with various designs, their outstanding properties, and underlying principles that grant targeted and continuous drug delivery. Finally, future perspectives, and challenges for nanomicelles are discussed based on the current achievements and remaining issues.

Library of Derivatizable Multiblock Copolymers by Nucleophilic Substitution Polymerization and Targeting Specific Properties

Multiblock copolymers (MBCs) are fascinating in the field of biology-polymer chemistry interfaces. Synthesizing libraries of MBCs with tailor-made functionality is challenging as it involves multiple steps. Herein, a simple synthesis, analogous to polyurethane/Michael addition reactions, has been introduced to obtain a library of derivatizable MBCs. Nucleophilic substitution polymerization (S_NP) of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks containing activated halide termini by primary mono/di/coamines or clickable amines provides functional MBCs. The structure of amines directs the properties of the MBCs. The self-assembly of small molecular weight primary diamine-based MBCs shows controlled release of hydrophobic model guest molecules and therapeutics. The primary diamine (no dangling chain) helps to form MBC micelles having a relatively tight core with a low diffusion property. Antimicrobial property in the MBCs has been introduced by separating the cationic centers from the lipophilic groups using a coamine as a nucleophilic agent and a small molecular weight dihalide as a chain extender. Clickable MBCs were synthesized by changing the structure of the nucleophile to obtain degradable amphiphilic conetworks and hydrogels. Varieties of macromolecular entities could be obtained by switching the nucleophilic agent and introducing a small molecular weight chain extender. This synthesis approach provides an opportunity to tune the chemical functionality, topological structure, and biological properties of macromolecular entities.

Dissolution of amorphous nifedipine from micelle-forming carboxymethylcellulose derivatives

We show that a novel amphiphilic graft copolymer combining the biodegradability and biocompatibility of oxidized carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with that of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and hydrophobic dodecylamine (DDA), improves the solubility and dissolution performance of nifedipine (NIF), considered as a model hydrophobic drug. The hydrophobic components of the graft copolymer have the multiple effect of favouring micelle formation and loading. At the same time, the interaction between the hydrophobic core and NIF has the secondary effect to suppress drug crystallization, favouring its dissolution, and to increase photostability. Oxidized CMC-g-PEG-DDA micelles reached values of drug concentration, loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency as high as 340 μg mL^-1, 6.4 % and 34.1 %, respectively. Loaded micelles showed a good stability with a limited release profile at pH 1.2, whereas at pH 7.4 the swollen cores enable much higher and progressive release, that reaches 3.4 and 6.6 % after 3 and 5 h, respectively, corresponding to very competitive concentration of 34 and 66 μg mL^-1.

Polymeric micelles for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs: From nanoformulation to clinical approval

Over the last three decades, polymeric micelles have emerged as a highly promising drug delivery platform for therapeutic compounds. Particularly, poorly soluble small molecules with high potency and significant toxicity were encapsulated in polymeric micelles. Polymeric micelles have shown improved pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical animal models and enhanced efficacy with a superior safety profile for therapeutic drugs. Several polymeric micelle formulations have reached the clinical stage and are either in clinical trials or are approved for human use. This furthers interest in this field and underscores the need for additional learning of how to best design and apply these micellar carriers to improve the clinical outcomes of many drugs. In this review, we provide detailed information on polymeric micelles for the solubilization of poorly soluble small molecules in topics such as the design of block copolymers, experimental and theoretical analysis of drug encapsulation in polymeric micelles, pharmacokinetics of drugs in polymeric micelles, regulatory approval pathways of nanomedicines, and current outcomes from micelle formulations in clinical trials. We aim to describe the latest information on advanced analytical approaches for elucidating molecular interactions within the core of polymeric micelles for effective solubilization as well as for analyzing nanomedicine's pharmacokinetic profiles. Taking into account the considerations described within, academic and industrial researchers can continue to elucidate novel interactions in polymeric micelles and capitalize on their potential as drug delivery vehicles to help improve therapeutic outcomes in systemic delivery.

Long-Term Evaluation of Dip-Coated PCL-Blend-PEG Coatings in Simulated Conditions

Our study focused on the long-term degradation under simulated conditions of coatings based on different compositions of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol blends (PCL-blend-PEG), fabricated for titanium implants by a dip-coating technique. The degradation behavior of polymeric coatings was evaluated by polymer mass loss measurements of the PCL-blend-PEG during immersion in SBF up to 16 weeks and correlated with those yielded from electrochemical experiments. The results are thoroughly supported by extensive compositional and surface analyses (FTIR, GIXRD, SEM, and wettability investigations). We found that the degradation behavior of PCL-blend-PEG coatings is governed by the properties of the main polymer constituents: the PEG solubilizes fast, immediately after the immersion, while the PCL degrades slowly over the whole period of time. Furthermore, the results evidence that the alteration of blend coatings is strongly enhanced by the increase in PEG content. The biological assessment unveiled the beneficial influence of PCL-blend-PEG coatings for the adhesion and spreading of both human-derived mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells.

A 3D printed drug delivery implant formed from a dynamic supramolecular polyurethane formulation

Prototype drug eluting implants have been 3D printed using a supramolecular polyurethane-PEG formulation. The implants are capable of releasing a pharmaceutical active with effective drug release over a period of up to 8.5 months.

Development and Characterization of Glipizide Loaded Sustained Release Nanoparticles

Background:

Treating the disease like diabetes is essential due to its wide range of spreading and heredity issues. Glipizide is the commonly used drug for the treatment of diabetes. Glipizide loaded sustained release nanoparticles have been developed to avoid repeated dosing.

Objective:

The study aimed to develop glipizide-loaded sustained release nanoparticles and characterize them for different studies.

Methods:

The aim of the present study was to develop glipizide-loaded sustained release nanoparticles using different polymers by the solvent evaporation method. The polymers; Eudragit (RS 100) in combination with Polycaprolactone (PCL) were used to encapsulate glipizide. Optimization of all parameters was performed as per Design Expert software by utilizing a 32 full factorial design. The developed nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro drug release study.

Results:

FE-SEM showed that the surface morphology of nanoparticles was smooth and spherical as well as in an oval shape. FTIR shows there is no interaction between polymers and drug. XRD results showed that the crystallinity of pure glipizide reduced from 89.5 to 56.7% when converted into sustained release nanoparticles formulation. Sustained drug release over the period of 12 h was observed due to well encapsulation of glipizide by the polymers.

Conclusion:

Glipizide loaded nanoparticles were developed with good encapsulation efficiency using a combination of two different biocompatible polymers. The drug release behavior showed that they can be used to develop the sustained release formulation to reduce the side effect caused by over drug uptake as compared to the conventional formulation.

Biased Lewis Pairs: A General Catalytic Approach to Ether-Ester Block Copolymers with Unlimited Ordering of Sequences

Polymerizing epoxides after cyclic esters remains a major challenge, though their block copolymers have been extensively studied and used for decades. Reported here is a simple catalytic approach based on a metal-free Lewis pair that addresses the challenge. When the Lewis acid is used in excess of a base, selective (transesterification-free) polymerization of epoxides occurs in the presence of esters, while selectivity toward cyclic esters is achieved by an oppositely biased catalyst. Hence, one-pot block copolymerization can be performed in both ester-first and ether-first orders with selectivity being switchable at any stage, yielding ether-ester-type block copolymers with unlimited ordering of sequences as well as widely variable compositions and architectures. The selectivity can also be switched back and forth several times to generate a multiblock copolymer. Experimental and calculational results indicate that the selectivity originates mainly from the state of catalyst-activated hydroxy species.

PEG-Derivatized Dual-Functional Nanomicelles for Improved Cancer Therapy

Polymeric micelles have attracted considerable attention for effective delivery of poorly water-soluble cancer drugs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), which has been approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration, is the most commonly used hydrophilic component of polymeric micelles because it is biocompatible and biodegradable. One disadvantage of traditional polymeric micelles is that they include a large amount of inert carrier materials, which do not contribute to therapeutic activity but increase cost and toxicity risk. A better alternative may be "dual-functional" micellar carriers, in which the hydrophobic carrier material (conjugated to PEG) has intrinsic therapeutic activity that complements, or even synergizes with, the antitumor activity of the drug cargo. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of PEG-derivatized dual-functional nanomicelles and surveys the evidence of their feasibility and promise for cancer therapy.

Strategies from nature: polycaprolactone-based mimetic antimicrobial peptide block copolymers with low cytotoxicity and excellent antibacterial efficiency

PCL₁₆-b-K_n diblock copolymers exhibit excellent antibacterial activities and low cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, they act by the pore-forming bactericidal mechanism without inducement of drug resistance.

Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis

Enabling concurrent, high throughput analysis of single nanoparticles would greatly increase the capacity to study size, composition and inter and intra particle population variance with applications in a wide range of fields from polymer science to drug delivery. Here, we present a comprehensive platform for Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis (SPARTA) able to integrally analyse nanoparticles ranging from synthetic polymer particles to liposomes without any modification. With the developed highly controlled automated trapping process, single nanoparticles are analysed with high throughput and sensitivity to resolve particle mixtures, obtain detailed compositional spectra of complex particles, track sequential functionalisations, derive particle sizes and monitor the dynamics of click reactions occurring on the nanoparticle surface. The SPARTA platform opens up a wide range of new avenues for nanoparticle research through label-free integral high-throughput single particle analysis, overcoming key limitations in sensitivity and specificity of existing bulk analysis methods.

Self-assembled, ellipsoidal polymeric nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of therapeutics

Nanoparticle shape has emerged as a key regulator of nanoparticle transport across physiological barriers, intracellular uptake, and biodistribution. We report a facile approach to synthesize ellipsoidal nanoparticles through self-assembly of poly(glycerol sebacate)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (PGS-co-PEG). The PGS-PEG nanoparticle system is highly tunable, and the semiaxis length of the nanoparticles can be modulated by changing PGS-PEG molar ratio and incorporating therapeutics. As both PGS and PEG are highly biocompatible, the PGS-co-PEG nanoparticles show high hemo-, immuno-, and cytocompatibility. Our data suggest that PGS-co-PEG nanoparticles have the potential for use in a wide range of biomedical applications including regenerative medicine, stem cell engineering, immune modulation, and cancer therapeutics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2048-2058, 2018.

One-pot synthesis and lubricity of fluorescent carbon dots applied on PCL-PEG-PCL hydrogel

This work presents a method for one-pot synthesis of N-doped nanometer-size carbon dots, which can be assembled with thermosensitive poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC) hydrogel to achieve slow-release lubricity. The typical property of this green production was studied by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The photoluminescence of composite PCEC/CDs hydrogel and its released solutions were characterized by ultraviolet spectrum, and the rheological properties were tested by rotary rheometer. Tribological performance of the released solution from composite PCEC/CDs hydrogel was obtained to compare with PBS and pure CDs solution. The experimental results reveal that the CDs contain the chemical groups of N-H, C-OH/C-O-C and -COOH, etc. In addition, the diameter of the CDs is in the range of 6~8 nm. The phase transition behavior of PCEC/CDs hydrogel can be still kept and its viscoelasticity hydrogel is improved by approximatively 7%. Furthermore, friction coefficient of the released solution from composite PCEC/CDs hydrogel decreases by about 70% than that of PBS. Besides, the wear condition can be improved by a lubricating transfer film formed by released CDs. This novel strategy for slow-release application is valuable for drug delivery and bio-tribology.

Nanospheres with a smectic hydrophobic core and an amorphous PEG hydrophilic shell: structural changes and implications for drug delivery

The structure of nanospheres with a crystalline core and an amorphous diffuse shell was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-, medium-, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, MAXS and WAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nanospheres, 28 to 35 nm in diameter, were prepared from a triblock copolymer with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrophilic end-blocks and oligomers of alternating desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine octyl ester (DTO) and suberic acid (SA) as the central hydrophobic block. In the lyophilized nanospheres, the diffraction patterns show that the PEG shell is ∼10 nm in thickness and crystalline, and the hydrophobic core is ∼10 nm in diameter with a smectic liquid crystalline texture. In aqueous dispersions, the hydrated PEG forms an amorphous shell, but the crystalline phase in the core persists at concentrations down to 1 mg ml-1 as evidenced by the sharp MAXS diffraction peak at a d-spacing of 24.4 Å and a melting endotherm at 40 °C. As the dispersion is diluted (<1 mg ml-1), the core becomes less ordered, and its diameter decreases by 50% even though the overall size of the nanosphere remains essentially unchanged. It is likely that below a critical concentration, intermixing of hydrophobic segments with the PEG segments reduces the size and the crystallinity of the core. At these concentrations, the PEG corona forms a eutectic with water. The mechanisms by which the concentration of the dispersion influences the structure of the nanospheres, and consequently their drug-release characteristics, are discussed.

Preparation of particulate polymeric therapeutics for medical applications

Particulate therapeutics fabricated from polymeric materials have become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Generally, polymeric systems are easy to synthesize and have tunable parameters, giving them significant potential for wide use in the clinic. They come in many different forms, including as nanoparticles, microparticles, and colloidal gels. In this review, we discuss the current preparation methods for each type of platform, as well as some representative applications. To achieve enhanced performance, lipid coatings and other surface modification techniques for introducing additional functionality are also mentioned. We hope that, by outlining the various methods and techniques for their preparation, it will be possible to provide insights into the utility of these polymeric platforms and further encourage their development for biomedical applications.

Development and Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Recombinant Human Myelin Basic Protein Nano Therapeutic Vaccine in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice Animal Model

Recombinant human myelin basic protein (rhMBP) was previously produced in the milk of transgenic cows. Differences in molecular recognition of either hMBP or rhMBP by surface-immobilized anti-hMBP antibodies were demonstrated. This indicated differences in immunological response between rhMBP and hMBP. Here, the activity of free and controlled release rhMBP poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (NPs), as a therapeutic vaccine against multiple sclerosis (MS) was demonstrated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. Following optimization of nanoformulation, discrete spherical, rough-surfaced rhMBP NPs with high entrapment efficiency and controlled release pattern were obtained. Results indicated that rhMBP was loaded into and electrostatically adsorbed onto the surface of NPs. Subcutaneous administration of free or rhMBP NPs before EAE-induction reduced the average behavioral score in EAE mice and showed only mild histological alterations and preservation of myelin sheath, with rhMBP NPs showing increased protection. Moreover, analysis of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) in mice brains revealed that pretreatment with free or rhMBP NPs significantly protected against induced inflammation.

IN CONCLUSION

i) rhMBP ameliorated EAE symptoms in EAE animal model, ii) nanoformulation significantly enhanced efficacy of rhMBP as a therapeutic vaccine and iii) clinical investigations are required to demonstrate the activity of rhMBP NPs as a therapeutic vaccine for MS.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymeric nanoparticles by a microchannel technology

Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have potential therapeutic applications; however, preparing NPs of a specific diameter and uniform size distribution is a challenge. In this work, we fabricated a microchannel system for the preparation of curcumin (Cur)-loaded NPs by the interfacial precipitation method, which rapidly and consistently generated stable NPs with a relatively smaller diameter, narrow size distribution, and higher drug-loading capacity and entrapment efficiency. Poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) triblock copolymers(PCEC) used as the carrier material was synthesized and characterized. Cur-loaded PCEC NPs had an average size of 167.2nm with a zeta potential of -29.23mV, and showed a loading capacity and drug entrapment efficiency of 15.28%±0.23% and 96.11%±0.13%, respectively. Meanwhile, the NPs demonstrated good biocompatibility and bioavailability, efficient cellular uptake, and long circulation time and a possible liver targeting effect in vivo. These results indicate that the Cur-loaded PCEC NPs can be used as drug carriers in controlled delivery systems and other biomedical applications.

Noncytotoxic polycaprolactone-polyethyleneglycol-ε-poly(l-lysine) triblock copolymer synthesized and self-assembled as an antibacterial drug carrier

The PCL₃₅-b-PEG₄₅-b-EPL₂₃ vesicles perform well in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity against Gram⁻ and Gram⁺ bacteria with low cytotoxicity.

Asymmetric Triblock Copolymer Nanocarriers for Controlled Localization and pH-Sensitive Release of Proteins

Designing nanocarriers to release proteins under specific conditions is required to improve therapeutic approaches, especially in treating cancer and protein deficiency diseases. We present here supramolecular assemblies based on asymmetric poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(methylcaprolactone)-b-poly(2-(N,Ndiethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PEG-b-PMCL-b-PDMAEMA) copolymers for controlled localization and pH-sensitive release of proteins. Copolymers self-assembled in soft nanoparticles with a core domain formed by PMCL, and a hydrophilic domain based on PEG mainly embedded inside, and the branched PDMAEMA exposed at the particle surface. We selected as model proteins to be attached to the nanoparticles bovine serum albumin (BSA) and acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), the latter being an ideal candidate for protein replacement therapy. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio, nanoparticle size, and the nature of biomolecules are key factors for modulating protein localization and attachment efficiency. The predominant outer shell of PDMAEMA allows efficient pH-triggered release of BSA and ASM, and in acidic conditions >70% of the bound proteins were released. Uptake of protein-attached nanoparticles by HELA cells, together with low toxicity and pH-responsive release, supports such protein-bound nanoparticles as efficient stimuli-responsive candidates for protein therapy.

Aripiprazole loaded poly(caprolactone) nanoparticles: Optimization and in vivo pharmacokinetics

In the present investigation, a Quality by Design strategy was applied for formulation and optimization of aripiprazole (APZ) loaded PCL nanoparticles (APNPs) using nanoprecipitation method keeping entrapment efficiency (%EE) and particle size (PS) as critical quality attributes. Establishment of design space was done followed by analysis of its robustness and sensitivity. Characterization of optimized APNPs was done using DSC, FT-IR, PXRD and TEM studies and was evaluated for drug release, hemocompatibility and nasal toxicity. PS, zeta potential and %EE of optimized APNPs were found to be 199.2±5.65nm, -21.4±4.6mV and 69.2±2.34% respectively. In vitro release study showed 90±2.69% drug release after 8h. Nasal toxicity study indicated safety of developed formulation for intranasal administration. APNPs administered via intranasal route facilitated the brain distribution of APZ incorporated with the AUC0→8 in rat brain approximately 2 times higher than that of APNPs administered via intravenous route. Increase in Cmax was observed which might help in dose reduction along with reduction in dose related side effects. The results of the study indicate that intranasally administered APZ loaded PCL NPs can potentially transport APZ via nose to brain and can serve as a non-invasive alternative for the delivery of APZ to brain.

The solubility parameter for biomedical polymers-Application of inverse gas chromatography

The solubility parameter seems to be a useful tool for thermodynamic characterisation of different materials. The solubility parameter concept can be used to predict sufficient miscibility or solubility between a solvent and a polymer, as well as components of co-polymer matrix in composite biomaterials. The values of solubility parameter were determined for polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) by using different procedures and experimental data, collected by means of inverse gas chromatography.

Facile Synthesis of Reductively Degradable Biopolymers Using Cystamine Diisocyanate as a Coupling Agent

Reductively degradable biopolymers have emerged as a unique class of smart biomedical materials. Here, a functional coupling agent, cystamine diisocyanate (CDI), was designed to offer a facile access to reductively degradable biopolymers via polycondensation with various diols. CDI was readily obtained with a decent yield of 46% by reacting cystamine dihydrochloride with triphosgene. The polycondensation of oligo(ethylene glycol) diol (Mn = 0.4 or 1.5 kg/mol) or oligo(ε-caprolactone) diol (Mn = 0.53 kg/mol) with CDI in N,N-dimethylformamide at 60 °C using dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst afforded reductively degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (SSPEG, Mn = 6.2-76.8 kg/mol) or poly(ε-caprolactone) (SSPCL, Mn = 6.8-16.3 kg/mol), in which molecular weights were well controlled by diol/CDI molar ratios. Moreover, PEG-SSPCL-PEG triblock copolymers could be readily prepared by reacting dihydroxyl-terminated SSPCL with PEG-isocyanate derivative. PEG-SSPCL-PEG with an Mn of 5.0-16.3-5.0 kg/mol formed small-sized micelles with an average diameter of about 85 nm in PB buffer. The in vitro release studies using doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug showed that, in sharp contrast to reduction-insensitive PEG-PCL(HDI)-PEG controls, drug release from PEG-SSPCL-PEG micelles was fast and nearly complete in 24 h under a reductive condition containing 10 mM glutathione. The confocal microscopy experiments in drug-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/ADR) displayed efficient cytoplasmic DOX release from PEG-SSPCL-PEG micelles. MTT assays revealed that DOX-loaded PEG-SSPCL-PEG micelles were much more potent against MCF-7/ADR cells than reduction-insensitive PEG-PCL(HDI)-PEG controls (IC50: 6.3 vs 55.4 μg/mL). It should further be noted that blank PEG-SSPCL-PEG micelles were noncytotoxic up to a tested concentration of 1 mg/mL. Hence, cystamine diisocyanate appears to be an innovative coupling agent that facilitates versatile synthesis of biocompatible and reductively degradable biopolymers.

Triblock and pentablock copolymerizations of ε-caprolactone with l-lactide catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene

B-12-C-4imY exhibit the characteristics of a “living” ROP and highly active for the ROP of LLA and ε-CL. Copolymers prepared possess predictable molecular weights, narrow polydispersities, and high end-group fidelity.

Catechol/boronic acid chemistry for the creation of block copolymers with a multi-stimuli responsive junction

A series of well-defined nitrocatechol and boronic acid end-functionalized homopolymers were synthesized via the RAFT process, followed by their coupling reactions leading to block copolymers integrating a multi-stimuli responsive link in between the blocks.

Synthesis and self-assembly behaviour of poly(Nα-Boc-l-tryptophan)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(Nα-Boc-l-tryptophan)

We report for the first time the use of Nα-Boc-l-tryptophan for the synthesis of amphiphilic BAB triblock copolymers for potential drug delivery applications.

Surface modification and local orientations of surface molecules in nanotherapeutics

Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool for various therapeutic applications, solving many difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. However, many obstacles in complex biological systems have impeded the successful application of therapeutic nanoparticles, and fine-tuning nanoparticle properties have become extremely important in developing highly effective nanomedicines. To this end, particles have been engineered in various ways, with a special emphasis on surface modifications. The nanoparticle surface contacts the biological environment, and is a crucial determinant of the response. Thus, surface coating, surface charge, conjugated molecules, shape, and topography have enormous impacts on the total behavior of nanoparticles, including their biodistribution, stability, target localization, cellular interaction, uptake, drug release, and toxicity. Hence, engineering of the particle surface would provide wider dimensions of control for the specific and precise functions in the development of smart nanomedicines. Moreover, local orientation of nanoparticles in vivo and orientations of surface molecules are critical for their efficacy. Herein, we analyze surface functionalities, focusing on their mechanisms and respective advantages, and summarize results of surface engineering and renovating applications of nanoparticles.

Synthesis of PCEC Copolymers with Controlled Molecular Weight Using Full Factorial Methodology

PURPOSE

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester and has attracted attention as a suitable carrier for development of controlled drug delivery due to its non-toxicity and biocompatibility. It has been reported that the biodegradability of PCL can be enhanced by copolymerization with PEG. Molecular weight (Mw) and CL block lengths optimization in a series of synthesized PCEC copolymers was the main purpose of this study.

METHODS

The composition of copolymers was designed using full factorial methodology. Molecular weight of used PEG (4 levels) and weight ratio of epsilon-caprolactone/PEG (3 levels) were selected as independent variables. The PCEC copolymers were synthesized by ring opening polymerization. Formation of copolymers was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy as well as H-NMR. The Mn of PCEC copolymers was calculated from HNMR spectra. The thermal behavior of copolymers was characterized on differential scanning calorimeter.

RESULTS

Molecular weight of twelve synthesized copolymers was ranged from 1782 to 9264. In order to evaluate the effect of selected variables on the copolymers composition and Mw, a mathematical model for each response parameter with p-value less than 0.001were obtained. Average percent error for prediction of total Mn of copolymers and Mn of CL blocks were 13.81% and 14.88% respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the proposed model is significantly valid due to obtained low percent error in Mn prediction of test sets.

Chain length effect on drug delivery of chrysin modified mPEG–PCL micelles

The chain length effect of chrysin modified mPEG–PCL micelles with exciting doxorubicin loading capacity on drug delivery was investigated.

Precise modular synthesis and a structure–property study of acid-cleavable star-block copolymers for pH-triggered drug delivery

A series of well-defined three-armed star-block copolymers (mPEG-a-PCL-a-)₃ linked with acid-cleavable acetal groups have been prepared and used for the pH-triggered delivery of doxorubicin.

Synthesis of an acid-labile polymeric prodrug DOX-acetal-PEG-acetal-DOX with high drug loading content for pH-triggered intracellular drug release

PEGylated doxorubicin (DOX) prodrugs with high drug loading content have been prepared via a combination of CuAAC “click” reaction and ammonolysis reaction, which can be used for pH-triggered delivery of doxorubicin.