Reversible Cross-linked Thermoresponsive Polycaprolactone Micelles for Enhanced Stability and Controlled Release.

Thermoresponsive amphiphilic poly(ε-caprolactone)s (PCL)s are excellent candidates for drug delivery due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and controlled release. However, the thermoresponsivity of modified PCL can often lead to premature drug release because their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is close to physiological temperature conditions. To address this issue, we developed a novel approach that involves functionalizing redox-responsive lipoic acid to the hydrophobic block of PCL.