The cyclodextrin inclusion complex-containing biodegradable polymeric systems as drug carrier
This article shows that the supramolecular micelle assemblies from PCL-b-P4VP block copolymers with α-CD via self-assembly of inclusion complexes in an aqueous solution. Dox encapsulation and the release at different pH of supramolecular micelle assemblies from poly (ε-caprolactone-block-4-vinylpyridine) (PCL-b-P4VP) block copolymers with α-CD showed excellent cytocompatibility. Dox was successfully loaded into the micelles with a loading content of 14.4% and loading efficiency of 28.9% by using UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV). The Dox loaded micelles showed lower cytotoxicity than free drugs, and could efficiently deliver and release the drug into human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). These properties make the polymer micelles attractive as drug carriers for pharmaceutical applications.