SUGAR-DECORATED POLYMERIC MICELLES FOR PHYSICAL STABILIZATION AND ACTIVE DRUG TARGETING TO GLUCOSE-BINDING CELLS

Low solubility in biological fluids of 50-70% of the marketed drugs represents a significant drawback in drug formulation, administration and bioavailability. Polymeric micelles (PMs) were introduced as a promising nanotechnology platform for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. During the last decade, our group has characterized the self-assembly and drug encapsulation performance of pristine linear and branched thermos-responsive poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers (PEO-PPOs) and demonstrated their beneficial role by different parenteral and non-parenteral administration routes [1]. However, their micellization is incomplete and their physical stability jeopardized under extreme dilution. In addition, they are incapable of targeting specific cells. In this work, we will report on the synthesis and characterization of PMs surface-modified with sugar clusters employing different chemistries to improve their physical stability and confer cell-targeting features to cells with affinity for glucose and lactose and on the cell compatibility in different cell lines.

References:

1. DA Chiapetta, A Sosnik, Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer micelles as drug delivery agents: Improved hydrosolubility, stability and bioavailability of drugs, J. Pharm. Biopharm. 66 (2007) 303-317.