Functional block copolymer micelles based on poly (jasmine lactone) for improving the loading efficiency of weakly...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polymer functionalization enhances drug-polymer interactions for improved drug delivery systems.
• Novel amphiphilic block copolymers like mPEG-b-PJL offer versatile post-synthesis modification.
• Understanding ionic interactions is crucial for optimizing drug loading and release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effect of ionic interactions on drug-polymer behavior using functionalized polymers.
• To investigate the drug loading, release kinetics, and cytotoxicity of drug-loaded polymeric micelles.
• To understand polymer-drug interactions at a molecular level using molecular dynamics simulations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of mPEG-b-PJL and its carboxyl-functionalized derivative mPEG-b-PJL-COOH.
• Preparation of drug-loaded polymeric micelles using the nanoprecipitation method.
• Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze polymer-drug interactions.
• Assessment of drug release kinetics, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Carboxyl functionalization (mPEG-b-PJL-COOH) significantly influenced drug entrapment efficiency due to electrostatic interactions with basic drugs.
• Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of polymer-drug interactions.
• Sunitinib-loaded micelles exhibited sustainable release dependent on pH and temperature, along with dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
• Investigated polymers showed favorable hemocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Polymer functionalization, particularly with carboxyl groups, is a promising strategy to enhance drug loading and improve drug delivery systems.
• The developed polymeric micelles demonstrate potential for controlled and effective delivery of anti-cancer drugs like sunitinib.
• Ionic interactions play a key role in optimizing drug encapsulation and release profiles in functionalized polymer-based systems.