Synthesis of polyorganophosphazenes and fabrication of their blend microspheres and micro/nanofibers as drug delivery systems

Abstract

Four amino acid-based polyorganophosphazenes were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR and GPC. Individually, the synthesized polyorganophosphazenes were blended with two commonly used biocompatible polymers, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) to fabricate anticancer drug loaded micro/nanofibers and microspheres. The nature of side groups, blend composition and drug contents were particularly found significant to adjust the surface morphology, hydrolytic degradation and drug loading/release behavior of microspheres. Moreover, higher in vitro drug release rate was observed in acidic medium. Collectively, our findings suggest that amino acid-based polyorganophosphazenes blend’ systems may provide a therapeutic strategy for cancers.