Block and random copolymers bearing cholic acid and oligo(ethylene glycol) pendant groups: aggregation, thermosensitivity, and drug loading

Biomacromolecules. 2014 May 12;15(5):1837-44. doi: 10.1021/bm5002262. Epub 2014 Apr 24.

Abstract

A series of block and random copolymers consisting of oligo(ethylene glycol) and cholic acid pendant groups were synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of their norbornene derivatives. These block and random copolymers were designed to have similar molecular weights and comonomer ratios; both types of copolymers showed thermosensitivity in aqueous solutions with similar cloud points. The copolymers self-assembled into micelles in water as shown by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The hydrodynamic diameter of the micelles formed by the block copolymer is much larger and exhibited a broad and gradual shrinkage from 20 to 54 °C below its cloud point, while the micelles formed by the random copolymers are smaller in size but exhibited some swelling in the same temperature range. Based on in vitro drug release studies, 78% and 24% paclitaxel (PTX) were released in 24 h from micelles self-assembled by the block and random copolymers, respectively. PTX-loaded micelles formed by the block and random copolymers exhibited apparent antitumor efficacy toward the ovarian cancer cells with a particularly low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 27.4 and 40.2 ng/mL, respectively. Cholic acid-based micelles show promise as a versatile and potent platform for cancer chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cholic Acid / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage
  • Drug Carriers / chemical synthesis
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Ethylene Glycol / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Micelles
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage*
  • Paclitaxel / chemistry
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / administration & dosage
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Ethylene Glycol
  • Cholic Acid
  • Paclitaxel