Synthesis of Polymer-Drug Conjugates for Controlled Transdermal Drug Delivery
Abstract
Polymer drug conjugates represent a novel approach for drug delivery belonging to polymer therapeutics. These nano-drug delivery systems consist of biocompatible monomers covalently linked to drug molecules. One of the most recently developed methods of drug delivery is transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). A non-invasive alternative to needle injections, TDDS offers many advantages as it exhibits high drug loading and controlled drug release. While transdermal drug delivery systems based on polymeric micelles have been previously studied, there is limited knowledge of how polymer block length and micelle size affect the drug loading and drug release profile. This project aims to explore transdermal drug delivery systems by synthesizing polymer-drug conjugates while controlling the size of polymeric micelles and the release profile of the drug. Biocompatible double hydrophilic block copolymers of N, N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMA), and (Hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (HEMA) are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The drug is then conjugated to the poly-HEMA block via DCC coupling to generate an overall amphiphilic block copolymer that can self-assemble into micelles. The use of RAFT polymerization offers control over the block lengths and the overall molecular weight, while the drug loading percentage can be altered using stoichiometric control in the DCC coupling. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which is used to treat various dermatological disorders, is used as a model drug. This project will examine how modifications to the block lengths and drug loading impact solubility, micelle size, and drug release.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Patricia Calvo
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Synthesis of Polymer-Drug Conjugates for Controlled Transdermal Drug Delivery
Alvin Sherman Library
Polymer drug conjugates represent a novel approach for drug delivery belonging to polymer therapeutics. These nano-drug delivery systems consist of biocompatible monomers covalently linked to drug molecules. One of the most recently developed methods of drug delivery is transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). A non-invasive alternative to needle injections, TDDS offers many advantages as it exhibits high drug loading and controlled drug release. While transdermal drug delivery systems based on polymeric micelles have been previously studied, there is limited knowledge of how polymer block length and micelle size affect the drug loading and drug release profile. This project aims to explore transdermal drug delivery systems by synthesizing polymer-drug conjugates while controlling the size of polymeric micelles and the release profile of the drug. Biocompatible double hydrophilic block copolymers of N, N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMA), and (Hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (HEMA) are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The drug is then conjugated to the poly-HEMA block via DCC coupling to generate an overall amphiphilic block copolymer that can self-assemble into micelles. The use of RAFT polymerization offers control over the block lengths and the overall molecular weight, while the drug loading percentage can be altered using stoichiometric control in the DCC coupling. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which is used to treat various dermatological disorders, is used as a model drug. This project will examine how modifications to the block lengths and drug loading impact solubility, micelle size, and drug release.
