Preparation and characterization of polyester- and poly(ester-carbonate)-paclitaxel conjugates

The polyester- and poly(ester-carbonate)-paclitaxel conjugates with low molecular weight were synthesized using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as catalysts. Polymeric matrices were obtained by ring-opening polymerization of ɛ-caprolactone (CL), rac-lactide (rac-LA), l-lactide (LLA) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC). The macromolecular conjugates were characterized by using spectroscopic techniques, such as 1H, 13C NMR and FTIR. The degree of degradation of polyester- and poly(ester-carbonate)-paclitaxel conjugates was tested in vitro under different conditions. The preliminary results of drug release were discussed.

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► The novel macromolecular conjugates of paclitaxel (PACL) were obtained.
► Polymeric matrices were obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic monomers.
► The poly(ester-carbonate) conjugates are interesting materials for the controlled release of PACL.