Preparation of a novel organo-soluble chitosan grafted polycaprolactone copolymer for drug delivery

The unsatisfactory solubility of chitosan has been a key barrier to its modification and application. To improve its solubility, a novel organo-soluble glycidol grafted chitosan was developed as a potential material for bio-related applications. The hydrophilic glycidol was grafted onto the amino groups of chitosan via a facile and “green” aqueous reaction. The grafting levels of glycidol strongly influenced the organo-solubility and water-solubility of the chitosan due to the inhibition of its intermolecular interactions. The resulting glycidol grafted chitosan (Gly-HCS and Gly-LCS) was directly dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF). Taking advantage of the improved organo-solubility, an amphiphilic Gly-LCS grafted polycaprolactone (GC-g-PCL) copolymer and its assembly were prepared as an efficient anti-tumour doxorubicin (DOX) carrier. The DOX loaded GC-g-PCL assembly exhibited a control release profile and anti-tumour activity. Acting as a basic substrate, this organo-soluble chitosan derivative has the potential to meet a wide range of requirements in the field of biological macromolecules.