Complex poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer architectures and their effects on nanoparticle self-assembly and drug nanoencapsulation. (5th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Celentano, Wanda; Ordanini, Stefania; Bruni, Riccardo; Marocco, Luca; Medaglia, Pietro; Rossi, Andrea; Buzzaccaro, Stefano; Cellesi, Francesco
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 144(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-05
• Subjects: Polymer micelles -- Architecture -- Nanoparticles -- Self-assembly -- Drug delivery; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.110226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Synthesis of well-defined PCL-PEG copolymers with complex molecular architectures. Molecular architecture influences nanoparticle formation in aqueous environment. Dependence of drug loading/release on polymer type and nanoprecipitation conditions. Star copolymers with brush PEG confirmed small particle size and high drug loading. The importance of polymer architecture in the nanocarrier design is highlighted. Abstract: Well-defined amphiphilic PCL-PEG copolymers with complex molecular architectures were synthesized through a combination of Ring Opening Polymerization (ROP) and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and used to produce self-assembled nanoparticles for drug nanoencapsulation. By varying the functionality of the initiator used for the ATRP (i.e. linear, 4-armed or multifunctional brush macroinitiators), a library of comb-like and brush block copolymers were obtained with different structure, molecular weight, and number of PEG and PCL blocks. We investigated how these parameters influenced nanoparticle self-assembly in aqueous environment, as well as the ability to encapsulate and release hydrophobic therapeutic molecules. In particular, the hydrophobic corticosteroid dexamethasone, known as a therapeutic drug with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, was chosen as a model. The results indicate that self-assembly, final particle size and drug loading can be tuned by designing a specific macromolecular architecture, which therefore represents a key feature for the design of efficient polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery.