| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 599944 | Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces | 2014 | 10 Pages |
•Therapeutic monoclonal antibody loaded MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres were prepared for the first time.•Presence of MPEG segment enhanced encapsulation efficiency of microspheres.•Presence of MPEG in the microspheres achieved control of IgG release rate.•MPEG in microspheres protected IgG from denaturation during γ-irradiation.•Bioactivity of released IgG was mostly protected for 90 days.
Polyester–polyether type block copolymers have attracted attention in the area of drug delivery systems with their capability in providing a broad range of amphiphilic characteristics. The aim of the present work was to prepare and characterize immunoglobulin G (IgG) loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG-PCL-MPEG) microspheres as potential carrier for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies used in clinics. MPEG-PCL-MPEG triblock copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ɛ-caprolactone initiated by MPEG and then characterized. Microspheres were prepared by double emulsion-solvent evaporation method and their properties were compared with those of PCL microspheres. Microspheres had spherical shape with a mean particle size around 6 μm. MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres had higher encapsulation efficiency than PCL microspheres. After 90 days of release, 30 ± 2% and 57 ± 3% of the bioactivity of IgG released from non-irradiated PCL and MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres were protected, respectively. Presence of MPEG in microspheres provided more controlled IgG release rate and protected IgG from denaturation during γ-irradiation (20 ± 3% and 49 ± 2% for PCL and MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres, respectively). In vitro cytotoxicity tests revealed that both MPEG-PCL-MPEG and PCL microspheres had no toxic effect on cells. This study showed that MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres are promising delivery systems for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
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