Preparation and Characterization of PCL-PEG-PCL Copolymeric Nanoparticles as Polymersomes for Delivery Hydrophilic Drugs

Background: A novel drug delivery system using poly (ε-caprolactone) - poly (ethylene glycol) -poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL) was established in this study. Methods: Ceftriaxone (CTX) was encapsulated within PCL-PEG-PCL nanoparticles by a double emulsion technique (w/o/w), leading to creation of ceftriaxone-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL (CTX/PCL-PEG-PCL) polymersomes. The resulting polymersomes were characterized by various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS). The release profile of the CTX from the polymersomes was evaluated. Results: The findings showed the successful formation of spherical CTX/PCL-PEG-PCL polymersomes. The loading efficiency of CTX was 17.50± 1.17%. The results of DLS showed that the polymersomes have size of 115.7± 0.48 nm. In vitro release of CTX from polymersomes was remarkably sustained. The sustained release of drug was hypothetically due to the encapsulation of CTX in core of polymersomes. Conclusion: The results indicate the successful formulation of CTX loaded PCL-PEG-PCL polymersomes. It can be concluded that polymersomes may be considered as an effective treatment strategy for to improve the therapeutic effect of CTX in the future. Keywords: Ceftriaxone, Drug delivery, Nanoparticles, PCL-PEG–PCL, Polymersomes,