Nanoaggregates of biodegradable amphiphilic random polycations for delivering water-insoluble drugs

Biomacromolecules. 2012 May 14;13(5):1544-53. doi: 10.1021/bm300251j. Epub 2012 Apr 9.

Abstract

Cationic amphiphilic random copolyesters were obtained by copolymerization of 5-Z-amino-δ-valerolactone and ε-caprolactone. The amino content of the final copolymers was controlled by the polymerization feed ratio and was in the range 10 to 100%. Copolymers solubility and aggregation behavior was assessed by conductometric and zeta potential analyses. A critical aggregation concentration of ca. 0.05% (w/v) was found for all water-soluble copolymers that formed nanoaggregates. Two populations were found to be present in equilibrium with hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 30-50 and 100-250 nm. The capacity to use the amphiphilic and cationic character of the nanoaggregates to encapsulate highly hydrophobic compounds was further investigated. Finally, copolymers hemo- and cytocompatibility were evaluated by hemagglutination, hemolysis, and cells proliferation tests. The results showed that the proposed cationic amphiphilic random copolyesters are biocompatible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Fibroblasts / chemistry
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry*
  • Polyamines / chemical synthesis
  • Polyamines / chemistry*
  • Polyamines / metabolism
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Solubility
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Surface-Active Agents / metabolism
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Polyamines
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • polycations
  • Water