Synthesis of crosslinkable microgels by suspension polymerization as potent drug carrier for in vivo local delivery

ABSIL, REMI; RIVERO, GUADALUPE; TEIXEIRA ROBERTO; DUBOIS, PHILIPPE; BARNER-KOWOLLIK, CHRISTOPHER; MESPOUILLE LAETITIA; DU PREZ FILIP E.

Gent

Conferencia; Annual Meeting Belgian Polymer Group 2014; 2014

We report the preparation of PEG microgels functionalized in their periphery with reactive ligation points allowing their crosslinking under physiological conditions. PEG-based microparticles were synthesized by W/O conventional radical suspension copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker. Cyclohexane was used as continuous phase while water/acetonitrile (40% w/v) mixture was employed as discrete phase. Microparticles with sizes ranging from 10 to 70 µm were obtained as attested by particle size measurements. The post-modification of the microparticles be readily conducted by taking advantage of the glycidyl functions. A cyclopentadiene functionality was introduced in the swollen state in THF at ambient temperature during 4 h using sodium cyclopentadiene. The generated microgels presenting complementary functions with a PEG crosslinker can self-assemble with fast reaction kinetics. As gelation takes place in the intra-cranial cavity, the resultant cross-linked hydrogel will perfectly align with the walls of the cavity allowing an easier penetration and release of the active drug into the surrounding tissue.