Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10613300 | Journal of Controlled Release | 2005 | 14 Pages |
Abstract
Four-armed (star-branched) block copolymers of l-PLA and PEO were synthesized using ring opening polymerization with different LAÂ /Â EO ratio. Micellar aggregates were prepared from these block copolymers and characterized. Some surface segregation of PEG was found : the extent depends on the state of the material (whether it is in film or particle form), as well as on molecular geometry. The degradation behavior of star-shaped copolymer was studied over a three week period and compared to its linear counterpart. Anti-cancer drugs 5-FU and paclitaxel were loaded into the micellar nanoparticles. The drug release profile showed that the release of paclitaxel from these polymers could be controlled over 2 weeks. The kinetics of drug release for star-branched, tri- and di-block copolymers were compared. The micelles from star-shaped branch showed more complete release of drug than the diblock copolymers; also, the lower hydrodynamic radius of star-shaped polymers may result in better clearance of the carrier polymer from the body.
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Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Biomaterials
Authors
Pan Jie, Subbu S. Venkatraman, Feng Min, Boey Yin Chiang Freddy, Gan Leong Huat,