Synthesis and characterization of a novel polydepsipeptide contained tri-block copolymer (mPEG-PLLA-PMMD) as self-assembly micelle delivery system for paclitaxel.

A series of biodegradable polydepsipeptides based new triblock copolymers, poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide)-poly(3(S)-methyl-morpholine-2,5-dione) (mPEG-PLLA-PMMD) have been synthesized and characterized as self-assembly micelle delivery system for paclitaxel (PTX). Compared to the mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000) diblock copolymers, the triblock copolymers present more benefits such as lower CMC value, positive-shifted zeta potential, better drug loading efficiency and stability. Among the triblock polymers, mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000)-PMMD(1400) micelles present low cytotoxicity and promote the anti-cancer activity of PTX on A-549 and HCT-116cells. In addition, mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000)-PMMD(1400) micelles prolongs the circulation time of PTX in rat after i.v. injection (5 mg/kg) than that of mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000) micelles and Taxol. The half life (t(1/2β)), mean residence time (MRT), AUC(0-∞) and clearance (CL) for PTX-loaded mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000)-PMMD(1400) micelles are determined to be 1.941 h, 2.683 h, 5.220 μg/m Lh (1.8-fold to mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000) group), 0.967 L/h kg(-1), respectively. In conclusion, mPEG(2000)-PLLA(2000)-PMMD(1400) copolymer could be developed as one of the promising vectors to anti-cancer agents for chemotherapeutics.