Self-assembled particles of an elastin-like polymer as vehicles for controlled drug release

J Control Release. 2005 Jan 20;102(1):113-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2004.10.001.

Abstract

Elastin-like polymers (ELPs) are a new kind of protein-based polymers showing interesting properties in the biomaterial field. This work explored the use of self-assembled poly(VPAVG) micro- and nanoparticles as vehicles for the controlled release of the model drug dexamethasone phosphate (DMP). Poly(VPAVG) has shown to form stable particles with a size below 3 mum as a water or PBS polymer solution was warmed above its transition temperature ( approximately 30 degrees C). Due to the peculiar composition of the monomer, the formation and redissolution of the self-assembled microparticles shows an interesting hysteresis behaviour by which the particles are formed at this temperature but do not redissolve until a strong undercooling of approximately 12-15 degrees C is achieved. Therefore, the particles, once formed, are stable either at room or body temperature. These self-assembled particles are able to encapsulate significant amounts of the model drug when self-assembling was carried out in a co-solution polymer-DMP. The release profiles showed a sustained DMP release for about 30 days. Being the potential of this new polymeric carrier high, further research is being conducted to functionalise the poly(VPAVG) base as a way to induce a stronger polymer-drug binding and, accordingly, a more sustained release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacokinetics
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • Elastin / pharmacokinetics
  • Microspheres
  • Particle Size
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Carriers
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Polymers
  • Elastin