Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer Research Articles

Ursolic acid loaded tri-block copolymer nanoparticles based on triphenylphosphine for mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy

A novel biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer, polyphosphate, polyethylene glycol, and polylactic acid (PAEEP-PEG-PLLA), was synthesized by twice ring-opening polymerization and triphenylphosphine (TPP) was grafted onto the block copolymer to synthesize a carrier material TPP-PAEEP-PEG-PLLA, which was identified by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The TPP-PAEEP-PEG-PLLA nanoparticles encapsulated with ursolic acid (UA) were prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering. The mitochondrial targeting ability of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. The average particle size and surface charge of the UA -loaded nanoparticle solution were 180.07 ± 1.67 nm and +15.57 ± 1.33 mV, respectively. The biocompatibility of nanoparticles was briefly evaluated by erythrocyte hemolysis assay. In vitro cell proliferation assay and scratch migration assay were performed to compare the difference in anti-tumor effect between UA and UA nanoparticles. The results showed that TPP-modified triblock copolymers had good mitochondrial targeting and improved the low bioavailability of UA, and UA nanoparticles exhibited more pronounced anti-tumor capabilities. In summary, the results suggested that our UA nanoparticles were a promising drug-targeted delivery system for the treatment of tumors.

Comparison of triblock copolymeric micelles based on \u03b1- and \u03b5-poly(L-lysine): a Cornelian choice

Due to the lack of safe carriers for the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA), clinical applications of nucleotide-based therapeutics have been limited. In this study, biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymers with tailored molecular weights for each block composed of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (2000 g/mol), poly(L-lysine) (1300 g/mol) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) (1800 g/mol) (mPEG45-α-PLL10-PLA25) were synthesized and fully characterized. The peptide synthesis was carried out on a solid phase to limit the presence of cationic charges. The arrangement and availability of cationic amino groups within a micellar vector were investigated to determine the colloidal stability as well as the predisposition of these systems to vectorize siRNAs in addition to their already known ability to improve the solubility of hydrophobic compounds. For this purpose, a triblock copolymer containing an epsilon poly(L-lysine) was synthesized similarly. Accordingly, the arrangement of the cationic segment modifies the rigidity involving a complexation constraint due to limited cationic charges available on the surface, which can compromise the efficiency of delivery into cells. In addition, the two vectors were biocompatible in different human cell lines.

An enzyme-catalysed access to amphiphilic triblock copolymer of PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL: synthesis, characterization and self-assembly properties

Biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer of PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL was synthesized by a simple, environmentally friendly and one-pot biocatalytic route that employs lipase Novozym-435 as a biocatalyst and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a macromolecular initiator to induce ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL). The structure of the prepared copolymers was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. The crystalline behaviours of the PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The self-assembly behaviours of the amphiphilic PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL were studied by fluorescence technique, dynamic light scattering instrument and transmission electron microscopy. The structure analyses indicate that PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL with desired components can be synthesized by changing the molar ratio of ε-CL monomer and PEG macroinitiator. Interestingly, the crystalline structure of PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL is mainly determined by the crystallization of PCL block, suggesting that the crystallization of PEG block in the copolymer is inhibited by the PCL block. The self-assembly behaviours of PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL in water can be adjustable according to the molar ratio of ε-CL and PEG. Size of the formed PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL micelles increased and the critical micelle concentration decreased while the polycaprolactone chain length increased.

Glutathione-Responsive Polymeric Micelles Formed by a Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer for Anticancer Drug Delivery and Controlled Release.

This article presents a novel glutathione (GSH)-responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polycarbonate-b-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer that self-assembles into micellar nanoparticles and simutaneously carry hydrophobic anticancer drugs such as doxirubicin. These drug-loading micelles show glutathione-triggered decomposition that leads to controlled drug release and cytotoxicity to cancer cells. This polymeric drug-carrier system integrates features of facile synthesis, stimuli-responsive drug release, good biocompatibility, and relatively low toxicity of the dissociated segments, thus representing a promising anticancer drug carrier for potential clinical applications.

Crosslinked triblock copolymeric micelle for redox-responsive drug delivery

In this paper, novel biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer based on methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholoyloxy)ethyl methacrylate) (mPEG-b-PCL-b-PPEMA) was successfully synthesized. After Michael-addition reactions between amine groups of cystamine and carbon–carbon double bonds of PPEMA segments, the crosslinked reduction-sensitive copolymer mPEG-b-PCL-b-PPEMA-SS- was obtained for efficient delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) to cancer cells. Both the uncrosslinked and crosslinked copolymers could self-assemble to form nano-sized micelles in aqueous solution, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation showed that the micelles dispersed in spherical shape with nano-size before and after DOX loading. Meanwhile, 1H NMR spectra in D2O indicated the formation of a lower mobility core by crosslinking method and a solid-like rigid core via further DOX-loaded. As compared to the uncrosslinked copolymer, the core crosslinking structure in mPEG-b-PCL-b-PPEMA-SS- could improve the micellar stability and enhance the drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency. The in vitro release studies showed more sustained drug release behavior of crosslinked mPEG-b-PCL-b-PPEMA-SS- which could be accelerated quantitatively in response to the reductive condition similar to intracellular environment. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated much more efficient cellular uptake of DOX delivered by mPEG-b-PCL-b-PPEMA-SS-, while MTT assays also demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells.

Synthesis and Self-Assembly Study of Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymers with PEG Block

Three biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymers: polylactide-poly (ethylene glycol)-polylactide (PLA-PEG-PLA), poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL) and poly (lactide-glycolide)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactide-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) were synthesized. Their chemical structures were characterized. In aqueous solution, their self-assembly and degradation were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Spherical micelles were formed in aqueous solution via self-assembly of the amphiphilic triblock copolymers. After degradation, the PLA-PEG-PLA and PCL-PEG-PCL micelles became smaller and the PLGA-PEG-PLGA micelles change to vesicles, which should mainly attribute to their different degradation speed.

The Synthesis of the Amphiphilic Triblock Cationic Copolymer mPEG-PCL-PDMAEMA the Synthesis and its Impact Study on the Load and Transfected of siRNA

Polyphosphate is a biocompatible, modified and functionalized biodegradable polymer. It has a broad application prospects in the field of medical biomaterials. It is an excellent drug carrier material. In this essay, through the open-loop and ATRP polymerization, it synthesizes biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer PEG-PCL-PDMAEMA. Composition and structure of the polymer is Characterized by 1H NMR and IR In this essay. This essay also studies that the polymer in water can be self-assembled to form a stable nanoparticles; The polymer micelle can form composite particles with siRNA,. This essay also studies the load and transfection of the polymer micelles on siRNA.

Biodegradable Amphiphilic Tri-Block Copolymeric Nanoparticles for Controlled MTB Drug Delivery

. A series of biodegradable amphiphilic tri-block copolymers (PLGA–PEG–PLGA) have been derived from the diblock copolymer poly (lactic–co–glycolic acid (PLGA)) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug pyrazinamide (PZA) loaded polymer nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared by probe-sonication followed by w/o/w double emulsification technique. The copolymers have been characterized by FTIR and 1HNMR spectroscopic techniques, TG-DTA analysis, GPC analysis and powder XRD pattern. The MTB drug loaded polymeric NPs have been characterized by FESEM, powder XRD, HRTEM and XPS analysis. The drug loading efficiency, drug content and in vitro drug release studies have been carried out by spectrophotometry. The drug loading efficiency and drug content of triblock copolymeric NPs were higher than these of diblock copolymeric microparticles (MPs). The in vitro drug release studies indicate that the NPs exhibit initial burst release followed by controlled release of PZA for longer durations. The drug release kinetics mechanism has been evaluated by zero order, first order, Korsemeyer-Peppas (KP) and Higuchi models.

Self-assembly nanomicelles based on cationic mPEG-PLA-b-Polyarginine(R15) triblock copolymer for siRNA delivery

Due to the absence of safe and effective carriers for in vivo delivery, the applications of small interference RNA (siRNA) in clinic for therapeutic purposes have been limited. In this study, a biodegradable amphiphilic tri-block copolymer (mPEG2000-PLA3000-b-R15) composed of monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol), poly(d,l-lactide) and polyarginine was synthesized and further self-assembled to cationic polymeric nanomicelles for in vivo siRNA delivery, with an average diameter of 54.30 ± 3.48 nm and a zeta potential of approximately 34.8 ± 1.77 mV. The chemical structures of the copolymers were well characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and FT-IR spectra. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays demonstrated that the polymeric nanomicelles showed greater cell viability and haemocompatibility than those of polyethyleneimine (PEI) or R15 peptide. In vitro experiments demonstrated that EGFR targeted siRNA formulated in micelleplexes exhibited approximately 65% inhibition of EGFR expression on MCF-7 cells in a sequence-specific manner, which was comparable to Lipofectamine™ 2000. The results of intravenous administration showed Micelleplex/EGFR-siRNA significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice xenografted MCF-7 tumors, with a remarkable inhibition of EGFR expression. Furthermore, no positive activation of the innate immune responses and no significant body weight loss was observed during treatment suggested that this polymeric micelle delivery system is non-toxic. In conclusion, the present nanomicelles based on cationic mPEG2000-PLA3000-b-R15 copolymer would be a safe and efficient nanocarrier for in vivo delivery of therapeutic siRNA.

Biodegradable polymer − cisplatin(IV) conjugate as a pro-drug of cisplatin(II)

A Pt(IV) complex was covalently conjugated to a new biodegradable amphiphilic tri-block copolymer, MPEG-b-PCL-b-PLL, which contains pendant amino groups, to form a polymeric pro-drug of cisplatin(II), MPEG-b-PCL-b-PLL/Pt(IV). The conjugate was assembled into nano-micelles. The Pt(IV) complex, the polymer carrier and the conjugate were characterized systematically. In vitro release experiments showed that drug release from the polymer-Pt(IV) micelles follows an acid responsive and oxidation-reduction sensitive kinetics. HPLC-ICP-MS analysis revealed that cisplatin(II) can be released from the conjugate under an acidic plus a reductive condition which is available inside a cancerous cell. In vitro MTT assay demonstrated that the polymer-Pt(IV) micelles display higher cytotoxicity against SKOV-3 tumor cells than both cisplatin(II) and Pt(IV) complex. This enhanced cytotoxicity is attributed to effective internalization of the micelles by the cells via endocytosis mechanism, which was observed by fluorescence imaging and by direct determination of the platinum uptake by the cells. This polymer-Pt(IV) conjugate is a promising polymeric pro-drug of cisplatin in micellar form. It can protect the Pt(IV) complex against blood clearance. It can enter cancerous cells via endocytosis mechanism and then cisplatin(II) can be released. Therefore, this polymeric pro-drug of cisplatin is expected to find clinical applications in the future.

Controlled synthesis and characterizations of amphiphilic poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate]-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] triblock copolymers

Well-defined biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymers consisting of atactic poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the side hydrophobic block and middle hydrophilic block were synthesized via ring opening polymerization of (R,S)-β-butyrolactone from PEG macroinitiators and characterized using NMR, GPC, FT-IR, XRD, DSC and TG analyses. The controlled synthesis was made possible by the facile synthesis of pure PEG macroinitiators through a TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Constituting 40–70wt% of the copolymer content, PHB blocks grown were amorphous while PEG formed crystalline phase when segment was sufficiently long. While hindering PEG crystallization, atactic PHB mixed well with amorphous PEG to give single Tg in all the copolymers. The copolymers exhibited two-step thermal degradation profile starting with PHB degradation from 210 to 300°C, then PEG from 350 to 450°C.

RGD peptide grafted biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(glutamic acid)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide)‐b‐poly(glutamic acid): Synthesis and self‐assembly

AbstractA novel amphiphilic biodegradable triblock copolymer (PGL‐PLA‐PGL) with polylactide (PLA) as hydrophobic middle block and poly(glutamic acid) (PGL) as hydrophilic lateral blocks was successfully synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐lactide (LA) and N‐carboxy anhydride (NCA) consecutively and by subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The results of cell experiment of PGL‐PLA‐PGL suggested that PGL could improve biocompatibility of polyester obviously. The copolymer could form micelles of spindly shape easily in aqueous solution. The pendant carboxyl groups of the triblock copolymer were further activated with N‐hydroxysuccinimide and combined with a cell‐adhesive peptide GRGDSY. Incorporation of the oligopeptide further enhanced the hydrophilicity and led to formation of spherical micelles. PGL‐PLA‐PGL showed better cell adhesion and spreading ability than pure PLA and the GRGDSY‐containing copolymer exhibited even further improvement in cell adhesion and spreading ability, indicating that the copolymer could find a promising application in drug delivery or tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3218–3230, 2007

Micellization Phenomena of Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymers Consisting of Poly(β-hydroxyalkanoic acid) and Poly(ethylene oxide)

This paper reports the studies on micelle formation of new biodegradable amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PHB-PEO) triblock copolymer with various PHB and PEO block lengths in aqueous solution. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the micelles took an approximately spherical shape with the surrounding diffuse outer shell formed by hydrophilic PEO blocks. The size distribution of the micelles formed by one triblock copolymer was demonstrated by dynamic light scattering technique. The critical micellization phenomena of the copolymers were extensively studied using the pyrene fluorescence dye absorption technique, and the (0,0) band changes of pyrene excitation spectra were used as a probe for the studies. For the copolymers studied in this report, the critical micelle concentrations ranged from 1.3 x 10(-5) to 1.1 x 10(-3) g/mL. For the same PEO block length of 5000, the critical micelle concentrations decreased with an increase in PHB block length, and the change was more significant in the short PHB range. It was found that the micelle formation of the biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymers consisting of poly(beta-hydroxyalkanoic acid) and PEO was relatively temperature-insensitive, which is quite different from their counterparts consisting of poly(alpha-hydroxyalkanoic acid) and PEO.

Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymers Containing l-Glutamic Acid Units

A novel biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer bearing pendant carboxyl groups PLGG-PEG-PLGG was successfully prepared by ring-opening copolymerization of l-lactide (LA) with (3s)-benzoxylcarbonylethyl-morpholine-2, 5-dione (BEMD) in the presence of dihydroxyl poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a macroinitiator in bulk at 130 degrees C using SnOct(2) as catalyst and by subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The copolymer could form micelles in aqueous solution with the cmc dependent on the composition of the copolymer. The micelles exhibited a homogeneous spherical morphology and a unimodal size distribution. Their degradation rate in the presence of proteinase K was faster than that of PLA, and they showed a low degree of cytotoxicity to the articular cartilage cells. This biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer with pendant carboxyl groups is capable of further modification and is expected to facilitate a variety of potential biomedical applications, such as drug carriers, tissue engineering, etc.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly (l-lactide)-b-poly(l-glutamic acid) triblock copolymer

A biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(l-glutamic acid) (PEG-b-PLLA-b-PLGA) was obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamic acid) (PEG-b-PLLA-b-PBLGA) synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydride of γ-benzyl-l-glutamate (BLG-NCA) with amino-terminated MPEG-b-PLLA-NH2 as a macroinitiator. MPEG-b-PLLA-NH2 converted from MPEG-b-PLLA-OH first reacted with tert-Butoxycarbonyl-l-phenylalanine (Phe-NBOC) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and then deprotected the tert-butoxycarbonyl group. MPEG-b-PLLA-OH was prepared by ROP of l-lactide with monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) in the presence of stannous octoate. The triblock copolymer and its diblock precursors were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, GPC and DSA (drop shape analysis) measurements. The lengths of each block polymers could be tailored by molecular design and the ratios of feeding monomers. The triblock polymer PEG-b-PLLA-b-PLGA containing carboxyl groups showed obviously improved hydrophilic properties and could be a good potential candidate as a drug delivery carrier.

Preparation, properties, and mathematical modeling of microparticle drug delivery systems based on biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymers

AbstractA series of biodegradable amphiphilic A‐B‐A type triblock copolymers P(BLA‐PEG‐BLA), composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a middle block component (B) and hydrophobic poly(β‐benzyl‐L‐aspartate) as outer polypeptide block components (A), were synthesized by copolymerization of β‐benzyl‐L‐aspartate N‐carboxy anhydride (BLA‐NCA) and the diaminated PEG with the primary amino groups capped at both ends. These P(BLA‐PEG‐BLA) copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, DSC, and GPC. The triblock copolymers were used to prepare three kinds of drug delivery systems including Norfloxacin (INN)‐incorporated P(BLA‐PEG‐BLA) microparticles and tablets. The morphologies of the microparticles were characterized by SEM. The in vitro release properties of the microparticles and tablets in PBS were also evaluated. A mathematical model, which incorporates a linear first‐order dissolution term and the transient Fickian diffusion equation, was developed to account for the kinetics of drug release from the INN‐incorporated P(BLA‐PEG‐BLA) microparticles. The results indicated that the overall release process was well controlled by both drug dissolution and diffusion. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3869–3873, 2004