| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 608855 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 2011 | 8 Pages |
The aim of this study was to assess the potential of new copolymeric micelles to modify the pharmacokenetics and tissue distribution of Curcumin (CUR), a hydrophobic drug. In the present study, a poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) copolymer was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography and FTIR analysis. The CUR-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelles were prepared by dialysis method and the physicochemical parameters of the micelles such as zeta potential, size distribution and drug encapsulation were characterized. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of CUR-loaded micelles in vivo were evaluated. The results showed that the zeta potential of CUR-loaded micelles was about −0.71 mV and the average size was 26.29 nm. CUR was encapsulated into PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelles with loading capacity of 6.4 ± 0.02% and entrapment efficiency of 70 ± 0.34%. The plasma AUC(0–∞), t1/2α, t1/2β and MRT of CUR micelles were increased by 1.31, 2.48, 4.54 and 2.67 fold compared to the CUR solution, respectively. The biodistribution study in mice showed that the micelles decreased drug uptake by liver and spleen and enhanced drug distribution in lung and brain. These results suggested that PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelles would be a potential carrier for CUR.
Graphical abstractCurcumin-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelles significantly increased the distribution of curcumin in lung and brain and reduced uptake by liver and spleen.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (100 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Micelles were firstly prepared with this triblock copolymers using solvent-dialysis method and successfully encapsulated hydrophobic CUR. ► The pharmacokinetic parameters of CUR micelles were improved compared to the CUR solution, respectively. ► The biodistribution study in mice showed that the PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelle formulation decreased drug uptake by the liver and spleen, and increased the distribution of drug in lung and brain.
