Tailored protein release from biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone-PEG)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) multiblock-copolymer implants

Milica Stankovic*, Jasmine Tomar, Christine Hiemstra, Rob Steendam, Henderik W. Frijlink, Wouter L.J. Hinrichs

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, the in vitro release of proteins from novel, biodegradable phase-separated poly(ε-caprolactone-PEG)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone), [PCL-PEG]-b-[PCL]) multiblock copolymers with different block ratios and with a low melting temperature (49–55 °C) was studied. The effect of block ratio and PEG content of the polymers (i.e. 22.5, 37.5 and 52.5 wt%) as well as the effect of protein molecular weight (1.2, 5.8, 14, 29 and 66 kDa being goserelin, insulin, lysozyme, carbonic anhydrase and albumin, respectively) on protein release was investigated. Proteins were spray-dried with inulin as stabilizer to obtain a powder of uniform particle size. Spray-dried inulin-stabilized proteins were incorporated into polymeric implants by hot melt extrusion. All incorporated proteins fully preserved their structural integrity as determined after extraction of these proteins from the polymeric implants. In general, it was found that the release rate of the protein increased with decreasing molecular weight of the protein and with increasing the PEG content of the polymer. Swelling and degradation rate of the copolymer increased with increasing PEG content. Hence, release of proteins of various molecular weights from [PCL-PEG]-b-[PCL] multi-block copolymers can be tailored by varying the PEG content of the polymer.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)329-337
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics
Volume87
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Fields of Expertise

  • Advanced Materials Science

Treatment code (Nähere Zuordnung)

  • Experimental

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