Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was successfully grafted to both ends of Pluronic F87 block copolymer (PEO–PPO–PEO) to obtain amphiphilic P(LA- b-EO- b-PO- b-EO- b-LA) block copolymers (PLA–F87–PLA) with short PLA blocks. The block composition and structure of PLA–F87–PLA block copolymers were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) techniques. The aggregation behavior of PLA–F87–PLA block copolymers in aqueous solutions was studied using the laser light scattering (LLS) technique. Various types of particles consisting of small micelles, medium and large aggregates were observed due to the complex structure of these copolymers. Importantly, PLA–F87–PLA block copolymers retain the thermal responsive behavior found in Pluronic systems. The critical micellization temperatures (CMTs) of PLA–F87–PLA were lower than that of F87 because of increased hydrophobicity introduced by the PLA blocks. A reversible sol–gel transition was observed for the hydrogels formed from PLA 6–F87–PLA 6 and PLA 9–F87–PLA 9 block copolymers. Preliminary results from the drug release study using a hydrophilic model drug procain hydrochloride (PrHy) were promising. Constant initial release rate was observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
