title: Micelle-like nanoparticles of star-branched PEO-PLA copolymers as chemotherapeutic carrier.
abstract: Four-armed (star-branched) block copolymers of l-PLA and PEO were synthesized using ring opening polymerization with different LA/EO ratio. Micellar aggregates were prepared from these block copolymers and characterized. Some surface segregation of PEG was found : the extent depends on the state of the material (whether it is in film or particle form), as well as on molecular geometry. The degradation behavior of star-shaped copolymer was studied over a three week period and compared to its linear counterpart. Anti-cancer drugs 5-FU and paclitaxel were loaded into the micellar nanoparticles. The drug release profile showed that the release of paclitaxel from these polymers could be controlled over 2 weeks. The kinetics of drug release for star-branched, tri- and di-block copolymers were compared. The micelles from star-shaped branch showed more complete release of drug than the diblock copolymers; also, the lower hydrodynamic radius of star-shaped polymers may result in better clearance of the carrier polymer from the body.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
authors.forename: Pan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jie
authors.forename: Subbu S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Venkatraman
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Min
authors.forename: Boey Yin Chiang
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Freddy
authors.forename: Gan Leong
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Huat
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000737:chemistry; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007773:Lactates / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008823:Micelles; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D007773:Lactates; D008823:Micelles; D011108:Polymers; C058523:polyethylene oxide-polylactic acid block copolymer; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D017239:Paclitaxel; D005472:Fluorouracil