Block copolymer composition drives function of self-assembled nanoparticles for delivery of small-molecule cargo.

Nanoparticles are useful for the delivery of small molecule therapeutics, increasing their solubility, residence time, and stability. Here, we used organocatalytic ring opening polymerization to produce amphiphilic block copolymers for the formation of nanoparticle drug carriers with enhanced stability, cargo encapsulation, and sustained delivery. These polymers comprised blocks of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(valerolactone) (PVL), and poly(lactide) (PLA).