title: Amphiphilic linear-dendritic triblock copolymers composed of poly(amidoamine) and poly(propylene oxide) and their micellar-phase and encapsulation properties.
abstract: A novel amphiphilic ABA dendritic-linear-dendritic block copolymer consisting of poly(amidoamine) and poly(propylene oxide) has been synthesized. The solution-phase behavior of the block copolymer was studied as a function of the generation of the dendritic block, ionic strength, and solution pH. The triblock self-assembles in aqueous media to form stable micelles with CMC values ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-5) M. Dynamic light scattering results indicate the formation of particles ranging from 9 to 18 nm in diameter, with smaller diameters exhibited at higher generations. Additional experiments were performed to assess the feasibility of the nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. Drug loading studies were performed with a model hydrophobic drug, triclosan, resulting in high loading efficiencies ranging from 79 to 86%w/w. The dendritic-linear-dendritic block copolymer synthesized was found to be a promising candidate for drug delivery due to its relative stability in aqueous solution and its drug encapsulation and release properties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors.forename: Phuong M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Paula T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Hammond