PLLA-Grafted Gelatin Amphiphilic Copolymer and Its Self-Assembled Nano Carrier for Anticancer Drug Delivery

A series of poly(l-lactide)-grafted gelatin (Gel-g-PLLA) copolymers are synthesized by coupling the amino groups of gelatin with different molar masses and the carboxyl endgroup of poly(l-lactide) in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) data confirm the successful bonding between gelatin and PLLA. Self-assembled micelles of copolymers are prepared by using the direct dissolution method. The size and micellar morphology are determined from dynamic light scattering as well as transmission electron microscopy measurements. Meanwhile, in vitro drug release reveals that Gel-g-PLLA micelles show excellent sustained-release properties when used as the carrier of the anticancer drug paclitaxel. A burst release of about 70% is observed in the first 24 h. All these features, together with the outstanding biocompatibility, make Gel-g-PLLA micelles a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy.