Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Pluronic (F68)-1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine Copolymers and Their Micelles as a Drug Carrier

A new Pluronic (F68)-1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE) (Pluronic (F68)DPPE) copolymer was synthesized with Pluronic (F68) and DPPE. The chemical structure and physical properties of copolymers were determined by FTIR, H-1. NMR, C-13 NMR, P-31 NMR, and TGA. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering method confirmed the formation of copolymeric micelles of Pluronic (F68)-DPPE. To estimate the feasibility as novel drug carriers, the copolymer micelles were prepared by the phase separation dialysis method. Amphotericin B as a lipophilic model drug was incorporated into copolymeric micelles and the drug release behavior was investigated. It was found that the chemical composition of the micelle was a key factor in controlling micelles size, drug-loading content, and drug release behavior. As DPPE segment weight ratio increased, the micelle size and drug-loading content increased, and the drug release rate decreased. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 604-613, 2010