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Block Copolymer-Sodium Oleate Complexes Through Electrostatic Interactions for Curcumin Encapsulation.
Evanthia Ganou1,2, Michaila Akathi Pantelaiou1,2, Varvara Chrysostomou1
1Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel polyelectrolyte complexes using a block copolymer and sodium oleate. These eco-friendly nanoparticles efficiently encapsulate curcumin for potential drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polyelectrolyte complexes offer a green synthesis route for nanoparticles, avoiding harsh chemicals and conditions.
- Sodium oleate (NaOL) is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly surfactant utilized in pharmaceutical applications.
- Block copolymers like poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-b-quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)) enable tailored nanoparticle formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize nanoscale polyelectrolyte complexes formed by electrostatic interactions between POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA) and NaOL.
- To investigate the potential of these complexes as carriers for curcumin drug delivery.
- To evaluate the influence of copolymer-to-surfactant ratios on complex formation and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Formation of polyelectrolyte complexes via mixing POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA) and NaOL at various weight ratios.
- Co-solvent protocol for loading curcumin into the formed complexes.
- Characterization of complex size and morphology using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM).
- Confirmation of curcumin encapsulation using Ultraviolet-Visible absorption (UV-Vis) and fluorescence (FS) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Spherical, worm-like, and vesicle-like polymer-surfactant complexes were formed.
- Curcumin encapsulation resulted in vesicle-like structures, indicating successful loading into micelles.
- DLS and cryo-TEM confirmed the formation and morphology of the complexes.
- UV-Vis and FS spectroscopy verified effective curcumin encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)-sodium oleate complexes are promising nanoscale carriers for drug delivery.
- The electrostatic interaction facilitates the formation of versatile nanostructures.
- This approach provides an efficient and green method for developing drug delivery systems.
