Investigation of the interaction between three-block copolymers with phospholipid monolayers and foam films

Abstract

The interaction of three-block copolymers (poloxamers) with dimiristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is investigated experimentally at one (monolayer) and two interacting air/water interfaces (foam film). The poloxamers selected are F-88 and F-98. Both of them possess two hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (POE) and one hydrophobic polyoxypropylene moiety but differ in molecular weight. These substances and their interfacial behaviour are interesting for the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Monolayer tensiometry revealed the degree of poloxamer penetration in PC monolayers and the changes in monolayer compression/decompression behaviour. Foam film experiments showed the effect of steric disjoining pressure increase in presence of F-88 and F-98. It resulted in changes of film structure and equivalent water thickness. It was found that the interaction between poloxamers and PC molecules in monolayers and foam films depends both on copolymer size and on the acyl chain length of phosphatidylcholines. © 2009 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.