Eco-Friendly Synthesis of PEtOz-PA: A Promising Polymer for the Formulation of Curcumin-Loaded Micelles

Abstract

The need to develop alternative methods or to use “green” solvents constitutes an essential strategy under the emerging field of green chemistry, particularly in the development of new synthetic strategies in the field of pharmaceutic industry. We report an eco-friendly method of synthesis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-palmitoylate (PEtOz-PA) using Er(OTf)3 as Lewis’s acid catalyst in 2-MeTHF. The novel biomolecule derivative was characterized to confirm palmitoyl group substitution and employed for the formulation, characterization, and antioxidant activity evaluation of curcumin-loaded polymeric micelles.

Keywords

• green solvent
• curcumin
• natural antioxidants
• PEtOz
• Er(OTf)₃