Article

Stereocomplexes of Triblock Poly(lactide- PEG2000-lactide) as Carrier of Drugs

  1. Ashgan Bishara1,
  2. Hans R. Kricheldorf2,
  3. Abraham J. Domb1

Article first published online: 2 JUN 2005

DOI: 10.1002/masy.200550703

Issue

Macromolecular Symposia

Macromolecular Symposia

Special Issue: Polymers in Novel Applications

Volume 225, Issue 1, pages 17–30, May 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Bishara, A., Kricheldorf, H. R. and Domb, A. J. (2005), Stereocomplexes of Triblock Poly(lactide- PEG2000-lactide) as Carrier of Drugs. Macromol. Symp., 225: 17–30. doi: 10.1002/masy.200550703

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Nature Products, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel

  2. 2

    Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Hamburg University, Germany

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 JUN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 2 JUN 2005

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Keywords:

  • controlled release;
  • degradation;
  • dexamethasone phosphate;
  • poly(ethylene glycol);
  • polylactide;
  • stereocomplex

Abstract

Triblock copolymers of poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene-glycol)-poly(lactide) (PLA-PEG2000-PLA) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of lactide and PEG2000 diol as co-catalyst. Stereocomplexes with particle sizes ranging from nanometers to microns were obtained by mixing acetonitrile solutions of pairs of enantiomeric homopoly(lactide) and the triblock copolymers. The stereocomplexes exhibited higher crystalline melting temperatures than the optically pure polymers. The ratio of PLA terminals in the copolymers had a significant effect on their stereocomplex degradation and drug release. These stereocomplexes were used for the encapsulation of dexamethasone for controlled release applications. Dexamethasone phosphate loading capacity, in vitro release, degradation and stability of polymers and formulation were investigated for one month. An increase in the dexamethsone phosphate content in the stereocomplex or a decrease in the PLA ratio in the copolymer resulted in a faster release of drug and polymer degradation.

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