Hypothesis: The functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) block copolymers with moieties allowing for core-crosslinking is expected to result in improved micellar stability and drug delivery properties.

Experiments: PEG-(PCL) star block copolymers were functionalized with pendant benzylthioether (BTE) groups by applying an anionic post-polymerization modification technique followed by photoradical thiol-yne addition of benzyl mercaptan. The micellar properties of PEG-(PCL) and PEG-(PCL-BTE) were studied and compared in terms of critical micelle concentration (CMC), size, morphology, drug loading and release and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Findings: In comparison with unmodified PEG-(PCL) micelles, PEG-(PCL-BTE) micelles exhibited a 15-fold lower CMC, a 15-fold smaller size and a 50% higher drug loading and encapsulation efficiency thanks to the presence of pendant benzyl groups which provide the possibility for micellar core-crosslinking via supramolecular π-π stacking and additional hydrophobic interactions. Whereas the PEG-(PCL) micelles showed significant aggregation during in vitro cytotoxicity experiments, the PEG-(PCL-BTE) micelles showed no signs of aggregation and were capable of solubilizing high concentrations of curcumin, resulting in a significant decrease in MCF-7 cell viability after 48 h. Their ease of synthesis combined with promising results regarding drug delivery make the PEG-(PCL-BTE) micelles appealing for application in the field of encapsulation.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2017.12.057DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

drug delivery
12
peg-pcl-bte micelles
12
polyethylene glycol-polyε-caprolactone
8
star block
8
block copolymers
8
drug loading
8
peg-pcl micelles
8
micelles
6
drug
5
peg-pcl
5

Similar Publications

Biodegradable copper-containing mesoporous microspheres loaded with ginsenoside Rb1 for infarcted heart repair.

Biomater Adv

January 2025

Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China. Electronic address:

The current unavailability of efficient myocardial repair therapies constitutes a significant bottleneck in the clinical management of myocardial infarction (MI). Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) has emerged as a compound with potential benefits in safeguarding myocardial cells and facilitating the regeneration of myocardial tissue. However, its efficacy in treating MI-related ischemic conditions is hampered by its low bioavailability and inadequate angiogenic properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Abdominal PP meshes coated with functional core-sheath biodegradable nanofibers with anticoagulant and antibacterial properties.

Biomater Adv

January 2025

Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Unité Matériaux et Transformations, F-59000 Lille, France. Electronic address:

Abdominal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure, involving in most cases the use of textile meshes providing a mechanical barrier to consolidate the damaged surrounding tissues and prevent the resurgence of the hernia. However, in more than half cases postoperative complications such as adhesions and infections occur at the surface of the mesh, leading to chronic pain for the patient and requiring the removal of the implant. One of the most promising strategies to reduce the risk of postoperative adhesions and infections is to add a physical barrier between the mesh and the abdominal walls.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Past studies have shown the efficacy of spinal targeted drug delivery (TDD) in pain relief, reduction in opioid use, and cost-effectiveness in long-term management of complex chronic pain. We conducted a survey to determine treatment variables associated with patient satisfaction.

Materials And Methods: Patients in a single pain clinic who were implanted with Medtronic pain pumps to relieve intractable pain were identified from our electronic health record.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ocular surface chemical injuries often result in permanent visual impairment and necessitate complex, long-term treatments. Immediate and extensive irrigation serves as the first-line intervention, followed by various therapeutic protocols applied throughout different stages of the condition. To optimize outcomes, conventional regimens increasingly incorporate biological agents and surgical techniques.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Application of biomass carbon dots in food packaging.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int

January 2025

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.

Since its discovery, carbon quantum dots (CDs) have been widely applied in cell imaging, drug delivery, biosensing, and photocatalysis due to their excellent water solubility, chemical stability, fluorescence stability biocompatibility, low toxicity, and preparation cost. However, the low fluorescence yield and poor surface structure limit the application of CDs. Heteroatom doping is considered an ideal method to improve CDs' optical and electrical properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!