[Preparation and characterization of curcumin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare curcumin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles (Cur-PBCNs) and evaluate its characteristics. METHODS: Cur-PBCNs were prepared by emulsion polymerization, and the formulation was optimized by L16 (4(3)) orthogonal design test with entrapment efficiency and drug loading as indices. In addition, its characteristics were investigated. RESULTS: The nanoparticles were spherical in appearance under transmission electron microscope (TEM). The mean diameter of the nanoparticles was 93.8 nm, the mean entrapment efficiency was (50.4 +/- 2.2)%, the mean drug-loading was (33.5 +/- 0.9)% and the Zeta potential was -6.81 mV. The total drug release was 34.74% in 2 hours followed by a sustained release in vitro for Cur-PBCNs, and the in vitro release profile of the nanoparticles was fit for two phases kinetics equation: 100 - Q = 4.5235e(-0.1724t) + 4.1641e(-0.0114t). CONCLUSION: The optimal Cur-PBCNs show good characteristics and sustained release character in vitro.

Polymer-drug conjugates: present state of play and future perspectives.

Polymer conjugation is an efficient approach to improve therapeutic properties of drugs and biological agents. Since the first synthetic polymer-drug conjugate entered clinical trials in 1994, this technology has undergone notable development for the introduction and study of novel polymers and for the progress in the biological rationale for designing conjugates. Not surprisingly, new polymers, in addition to the best known polyethylene glycol, poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide], are continuously conjugated with drugs to achieve biodegradable, stimuli-sensitive and targeted systems in an attempt to prolong blood circulation times and enhance drug concentrations at the intended site of action. This overview focuses on bioconjugates of water-soluble polymers with low molecular weight drugs. Additionally, the most recent achievements in the polymer-drug conjugate field and several promising approaches for the future are discussed.