Stability and release performance of a series of pegylated copolymeric micelles.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work is to evaluate the capability of a series of biocompatible amphiphilic copolymers as a nano-sized drug carrier.


METHODS
The influences of the type of lactone monomer, the feed molar ratios of lactone/PEG, and the molecular weight of PEG on the performance and release behavior of micelles are investigated.


RESULTS
These pegylated amphiphilic copolymers efficiently form micelles with a low CMC value in the range of 10(6)-10(-7) M. The average particle size of micelles is approximately 100 nm. The phenomenon of increasing particle size as increasing the chain length of poly(lactone) block is observed. The different hydrophobicity, based on chemical structure of poly(lactone), accounts for different interaction strength between indomethacin and hydrophobic inner core, which further influences the drug loading in copolymeric micelles and their release character. In addition, the PCL/PEG/PCL micellar solutions maintain their sizes at 4 degrees C for 8 weeks without occurring significant aggregation or dissociation.


CONCLUSIONS
A series of biocompatible pegylated amphiphilic copolymers have been elucidated possessing micellization potential to form nano-sized micelles in an aqueous environment, which enable incorporate hydrophobic drug and regulate drug release.
Lin
Wen-Jen
WJ
School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, F 12 NO. 1 Sec. 1 Jen Ai Rd. Taipei 100, Taiwan. wjlin@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw
Juang
Lee-Wei
LW
Lin
Chi-Chang
CC
D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004355:Drug Stability; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000737:chemistry*; D007773:Lactates / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008823:Micelles; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D011091:Polyesters / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry
D004337:Drug Carriers; D007773:Lactates; D008823:Micelles; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C088513:poly(lactic acid-ethylene glycol); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D007213:Indomethacin