Well-defined synthesis of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-based copolymer for delivery of doxorubicin by multi-sensitive nano-micelle

Abstract

Preparation of a di-block copolymer was investigated by changing the synthetic condition and utilization of 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline (PiPrOx) as a hydrophilic part and polycaprolactone (PCL) as a hydrophobic segment via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The copolymer chains were functionalized with hydrazine to be chemically bonded to doxorubicin (DOX, as a hydrophobic drug model) and generating pH-sensitive moiety for the copolymer. The cystamine was crafted as the glutathione-responsiveness counterpart and the poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) linkage plays a thermal sensitivity role. According to the worthwhile findings of the research, the synthesized nanomicelle can be suggested as a potential candidate for controlled fashion drug delivery systems.