pH-responsive aggregates from double hydrophilic block copolymers carrying zwitterionic groups. Encapsulation of antiparasitic compounds for the treatment of leishmaniasis

Langmuir. 2007 Apr 10;23(8):4214-24. doi: 10.1021/la0628827. Epub 2007 Mar 16.

Abstract

A series of well-defined poly[(ethylene oxide)-b-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PEO-b-PDMAEMA) diblock copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. Post-polymerization reactions were performed to transform a portion of the tertiary amine groups of the PDMAEpsilonMA into phosphorozwitterions. The aggregation behavior of the prepared zwitterionic block copolymers was investigated by static and dynamic light scattering techniques at 25 and 37 degrees C, in weakly basic and acidic aqueous solutions. Antiparasitic drugs used for the treatment of Leishmania were incorporated into the copolymer aggregates. The effect of the solution pH, the zwitterion content, temperature, and the quantity of the incorporated drug on the aggregation behavior of the copolymers was tested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods*
  • Chromatography / methods
  • Drug Design
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Leishmania
  • Leishmaniasis / drug therapy*
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Micelles
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nylons / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Amines
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Methacrylates
  • Micelles
  • Nylons
  • Polymers
  • poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)