title: Synthesis and evaluation of MePEG-PCL diblock copolymers: surface properties and controlled release behavior.
abstract: The amphiphilic block copolymers are composed of various combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic block unimers. The variation in unimer ratio alters the surface as well as micelle-forming properties of the block copolymers. These nanoscopic micelles have the ability to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds and act as potential drug carrier. MePEG-PCL copolymers with various block lengths were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization and characterized by1HNMR, GPC, WXRD and DSC. The number average molecular weight of the block copolymer was found to vary from 7511 to 21,270 as determined by GPC and1HNMR studies. The surface topology of the polymer films was determined by AFM analysis, which shows a smoother surface with increased MePEG contents in the block copolymers. The protein-binding assay indicates a better biocompatibility of the block copolymers in comparison to MePEG or PCL alone. The CMC of the block copolymer provides the information about micelle formations for encapsulation of hydrophobic materials and affects the in vitro release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu 608002 India.
authors.forename: Anjan Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mohanty
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu 608002 India.
authors.forename: Utpal
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Jana
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu 608002 India.
authors.forename: Prabal Kumar
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Manna
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu 608002 India.
authors.forename: Guru Prasad
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Mohanta
keywords: Biodegradable polymers; CMC; Drug carrier; EPR effect; Micelle