PEGylated methotrexate based micellar conjugates for anticancer chemotherapy
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Abstract
PEGylation involves chemically linking polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the therapeutic molecule for the purpose of enhancing
its therapeutic value. PEG conjugates of the anticancer agent have been designed to enhance the water solubility and plasma halfâ€life of the drug. Biodegradable polymeric micelles are used for drug delivery to the site of the tumor, as they possess thermodynamic stability, ability to encapsulate and solubilize a hydrophobic guest molecule, biodegradability, as well as size and surface characteristics that facilitate rapid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system.The prepared ester and amide
conjugates of PEG with the drug were lyophilized and characterized. The lyophilized formulations were evaluated for drug
loading, drug release, hemolytic toxicity, and stability. PEG was found to solubilize methotrexate (MTX) by forming micelles
in the nanometric range. This particle size was considered effective for passive targeting of tumors. Drug loading capacity
of the micelles was found to increase with an increase in the amount of MTXâ€PEG conjugate. The rate of drug release from
amide derivative of MTXâ€PEG conjugate was slower when compared to ester derivative of MTXâ€PEG conjugate. Prepared
MTXâ€PEG conjugate was found to be less hemolytic than the plain drug. The formulation showed maximum stability and
minimum drug leakage at 0°C. The ester and amide derivatives of MTX with PEG alter the hydrophobicity of the conjugate,
thereby modifying micellar stability and controlling drug release. Based on preliminary results, we can conclude that
PEGylation of MTX substantially enhances its aqueous solubility. Due to small size, higher solubility, simple sterilization,
and controlled release of the drug, polymeric micelles seem to mimic an ideal carrier for poorly water soluble drugs.
Key words: Methotrexateâ€polyethylene glycol conjugates, PEGylation, polymeric micelles
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