title: Novel polyester-polysaccharide nanoparticles.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to develop a new type of core-shell nanoparticles from a family of novel amphiphilic copolymers, based on dextran (DEX) grafted with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) side chains (PCL-DEX).
  
  
  METHODS
  A family of PCL-DEX copolymers was synthesized in which both the molecular weight and the proportion by weight of DEX in the copolymer were varied. The nanoparticles were prepared by a technique derived from emulsion-solvent evaporation, during which emulsion stability was investigated using a Turbiscan. The nanoparticle size distribution, density, zeta potential, morphology, and suitability for freeze-drying were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Because of their strongly amphiphilic properties, the PCL-DEX copolymers were able to stabilize o/w emulsions without the need of additional surfactants. Nanoparticles with a controlled mean diameter ranging from 100 to 250 nm were successfully prepared. A mechanism of formation of these nanoparticles was proposed. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the presence of a DEX coating.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A new generation of polysaccharide-decorated nanoparticles has been successfully prepared from a family of PCL-DEX amphiphilic copolymers. They may have potential applications in drug encapsulation and targeting.
authors.affiliation: UMRCNRS 8612, School of Pharmacy, Châtenay Malabry, France.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lemarchand
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Couvreur
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Besnard
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costantini
authors.forename: Ruxandra
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gref
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003911:Dextrans / Q000737:chemistry; D004355:Drug Stability; D004655:Emulsions; D005612:Freeze Drying; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010316:Particle Size; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003911:Dextrans; D004655:Emulsions; D011091:Polyesters; D011134:Polysaccharides; C016240:polycaprolactone