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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Extracellular matrix binding mixed micelles for drug delivery applications.
Conlin P O'Neil1, André J van der Vlies, Diana Velluto
1Institute for Bioengineering and Institute for Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Summary
Researchers developed collagen-binding mixed micelles for targeted drug delivery to vessel walls. These novel micelles, functionalized with sulfate groups, show enhanced binding to extracellular matrix components, improving therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymeric micelles are promising for drug delivery but often lack specific targeting capabilities.
- Targeting the extracellular matrix, particularly collagen, offers a strategy for localized therapeutic delivery.
- Pluronic F-127 and poly(propylene sulfide)-bl-poly(ethylene oxide) are established block copolymers for micelle formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create collagen-binding mixed micelles for enhanced drug delivery to the vessel wall.
- To functionalize Pluronic F-127 with sulfate groups to mimic heparin and bind collagen.
- To evaluate the stability and drug release characteristics of these novel mixed micelles.
Main Methods:
- Modification of poly(ethylene oxide)-bl-poly(propylene oxide)-bl-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic F-127) with sulfate groups.
- Formation of mixed micelles incorporating the functionalized Pluronic F-127 and poly(propylene sulfide)-bl-poly(ethylene oxide).
- Characterization using analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and surface tensiometry.
- Assessment of Sirolimus encapsulation and in vitro release.
- Evaluation of collagen I binding affinity.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized sulfate-functionalized Pluronic F-127 macroamphiphiles.
- Formed stable mixed micelles with improved stability compared to unmodified Pluronic F-127 micelles.
- Demonstrated enhanced binding of sulfate-functionalized mixed micelles to collagen I coated surfaces.
- Showcased successful encapsulation and controlled in vitro release of Sirolimus.
Conclusions:
- Sulfate-functionalized mixed micelles represent a viable strategy for targeted drug delivery to collagen-rich tissues.
- These micelles exhibit potential for improved localization and efficacy in treating vascular conditions.
- The developed system offers a versatile platform for delivering various therapeutic agents to the extracellular matrix.
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