Development of new tri-block copolymers for pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

We have developed several tri-block copolymers for nanomedicines. First, a biocompatible tri-block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PLA-PEG) was synthesized by simple approach without toxic linker to escalate therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agent by enhanced targeting to metastasized breast cancers. Secondly, a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene imine) triblock copolymer (PEI-PLA-PEG) and a poly(aspartic acid) (P(Asp)) homopolymer were synthesized for polyelectrolyte inonmer complexes. The synthesized tri-block copolymers formed small, highly stable spherical aggregates. The doxorubicin loaded nanovehicles prepared from the tri-block copolymers accumulated the tumor sites in animal model. The nanovehicles could have considerable potential for pharmaceutical applications.