Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Vol. 49

Abstract: Doxycycline was loaded with synthesized micelles composed of methyl Poly (ethylene glycol-block-poly (L-alanine–co–L-aspartate), or mPEG–Ala–Asp, and then characterized as a drug delivery carrier. The synthesis of the temperature-sensitive mPEG–Ala–Asp block copolymer was carried out by two-step ring-opening polymerization: firstly, the mPEG reacts with L-alanine N-carboxylic anhydride, and secondly the resulting mPEG–Ala reacts with benzyl aspartate N-carboxylic anhydride. The molecular structure of the copolymers obtained was determined by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy methods and the micelles were characterized by SEM, TEM and DLS, respectively. The controlled release of Dox from hydrogel in the presence of PBS (8 to 9% by weight) lasts 6 to 7 days exhibiting stable release rates. The drug release mechanisms were studied: Higuchi and zero order models. The results and correlation coefficients applied to the Higuchi and zero-order models. The findings show the potential use of mPEG–Ala–Asp as an effective depot matrix to deliver anthracycline class drugs.