Functional poly(ε-caprolactone) based materials: preparation, self-assembly and application in drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) is a versatile biodegradable polyester.
• Functionalization and controlled self-assembly are key to advanced material properties.
• PCL's application in drug delivery necessitates tailored molecular architectures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in the synthesis of functional PCL.
• To explore the self-assembly behavior of PCL derivatives.
• To highlight the application of functional PCL in drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing synthesis strategies: end group functionalization, postpolymerization modification, and new monomer preparation.
• Reviewing methods for creating complex PCL architectures (cyclic, multi-arm, block, graft, star).
• Analyzing the influence of chemical composition and topology on PCL properties and self-assembly.

Main Results:

• Functional PCL derivatives can be synthesized through various strategies.
• Diverse PCL architectures exhibit versatile solution morphologies.
• Self-assembled PCL aggregates serve as effective nano-scaled drug carriers.
• PCL with pendant groups demonstrates tunable drug interaction and release profiles.

Conclusions:

• Functional PCL offers significant potential for constructing complex supramolecular structures.
• Tailored PCL-based materials are ideal for sustainable and targeted drug delivery.
• The interplay of chemical composition and topology is crucial for optimizing PCL drug carrier performance.