Poly(Alkyloxyethylene-Lactate Phosphate) for Delivery of Doxorubicin: Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

Background/aim: Serious side effects are associated with the use of doxorubicin. Nanoparticles as carriers for anticancer drugs are useful for reducing side effects and improving therapeutic effects. In this study, a polymer for preparing doxorubicin-containing nanoparticles was developed. Using a novel strategy, a biodegradable poly(oxyethylene glycol lactate H-phosphonate) based on dimethyl H-phosphonate and poly(ethylene glycol)-lactate (PEG-lactate) was synthesized.

Materials and methods: Poly(hexadecanyloxyethylene - lactate phosphate) was obtained via chlorination of poly(oxyethylene glycol - lactate H-phosphonate) with trichloroisocyanuric acid and the addition of 1-hexadecanol. The polymer was characterized by ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR.

Results: The results of ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR showed that the polymer was successfully synthesized, and the yield was 46.9%.

Conclusion: Poly(hexadecanyloxyethylene - lactate phosphate) has potential as a drug carrier.

Keywords: Polyphosphoesters; amphiphilic polymers; doxorubicin; drug carriers; drug delivery.