PEG-PLA block copolymer as potential drug carrier: preparation and characterization

Diblock and multiblock copolymers composed of a poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) or poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) core with a hydrophilic chain of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared. These copolymers, in which the core is connected to PEG through a polyfunctional molecule such as citric, mucic, or tartaric acid, may be used to form nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. Branched copolymers were prepared by direct amidation between the polyfunctional acid and methoxy PEGamine, followed by ring-opening polymerization of lactide or trimethyl carbonate to form the PLA and PTMC block copolymers. In addition, a complex multiblock copolymer of biotin-PEG-poly[lactic-co-(glycolic acid)] (PLGA) for application in an avidin-biotin system was prepared for possible design of nanospheres with targeting properties. Studies of drug release from polymeric systems containing multiblock copolymers and studies of polymer degradation were also performed.