L-Threonine-Derived Biodegradable Polyurethane Nanoparticles for Sustained Carboplatin Release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) enhance drug efficacy and reduce side effects in drug delivery.
• Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are crucial for safe and effective NP-based therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize L-threonine polyurethane (LTPU) nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery applications.
• To evaluate the drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile of carboplatin-loaded LTPU NPs.

Main Methods:

• LTPU was synthesized using an amino acid-based chain extender (DLTHE) and a triblock copolymer (PLA-PEG-PLA) with HDI.
• NPs were fabricated via a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion solvent evaporation method.
• Characterization involved NMR, FT-IR, GPC, DLS, FE-SEM, TEM, confocal microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Polymerization was confirmed, with molecular weight of 28,800 g/mol and polydispersity of 1.46.
• Characterization revealed smooth, spherical NPs <200 nm in diameter.
• Highest encapsulation efficiency was achieved with 2.5% carboplatin, exhibiting a sustained release profile.

Conclusions:

• LTPU NPs are successfully fabricated with controlled size and morphology.
• The developed NPs show promise for efficient carboplatin delivery with sustained release kinetics.
• LTPU NPs offer a viable platform for advanced drug delivery systems.