Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) as alternative for the stealth polymer poly(ethylene glycol): comparison of in vitro cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility

Macromol Biosci. 2012 Jul;12(7):986-98. doi: 10.1002/mabi.201200017. Epub 2012 May 30.

Abstract

Limitations of PEG in drug delivery have been reported from clinical trials. PEtOx (0.4-40 kDa) as alternative is synthesized by a living, microwave-assisted polymerization, and is directly compared to PEG of similar molar mass regarding cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility. In short-term treatments, both types of polymers are well tolerated even at high concentrations. Moderate concentration and molar mass dependent cytotoxic effects occurred only after long-term incubation at concentrations higher than therapeutic doses. PEtOx possesses not only an easy route of synthesis and beneficial physicochemical characteristics such as low viscosity and high stability, which are advantageous over PEG, but additionally in vitro toxicology comparable to PEG.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemical synthesis*
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacology
  • Drug Stability
  • Erythrocyte Aggregation / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / cytology
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / analysis
  • Mice
  • Microwaves
  • Polyamines / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyamines / pharmacology
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology
  • Polymerization
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polyamines
  • poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase