Injectable Drug Delivery System Based on In Situ Self‐Assembly of Liquid Star Polyethylene Glycol–Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)

Abstract

Particulate systems are widely used in biomedical applications, yet current systems are limited by their stability, complicated production processes, and the use of toxic excipients and cosolvents. Here, a new concept for an injectable nanocarrier system based on the in situ self‐assembled star polyethylene glycol (PEG)– poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/drug mixture is presented. The new injectable material is based on a neat (solvent‐free) liquid copolymer that self‐assembles after it is injected along with the drug to form a particulate delivery system. The nanocarriers’ formation rate and encapsulation capabilities of hydrophobic drugs can be fine‐tuned by changing the molecular weight of the PLGA segment. Furthermore, the starPEG–PLGA‐based system demonstrates potential as a drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs and shows biocompatibility with cell line culture.

Keywords

• drug delivery
• injectable
• polyethylene glycol
• self-assembly
• star polymers