Triggered drug release has proved to be an interesting route, where the drug release occurs through a disruption of the lipophilic environment of micelles as a result of external stimuli. However, under certain circumstances it may be difficult to apply any type of stimuli. Therefore, we have developed a micelle system that dissociates with time rather than as a response of an external stimulus.The electroactive and redox responsive aniline pentamer was introduced into the amphiphilic and biodegradable PEG-PLA oligomers in two different oxidation states. Spectroscopic measurements indicated that the aniline pentamer retained its electroactive and redox-properties after the coupling reaction. These measurements also revealed that the aniline pentamer underwent time-dependent oxidation while in solution. The introduction of the aniline pentamer led to a decrease in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) regardless of oxidation state. However, the decrease was significantly larger for the oxidized form than for the reduced form of the polymers.These results show that the micelle core will oxidize with time in solution and thereby increase the CMC of the polymer. If the micelle solutions are formulated correctly, this increase will lead to dissociation of the micelles and consequently release of any incorporated drugs. This effect could thereby be used as a potent tool for designing dissociation of micelle systems without the need of an external stimulus.

Redox responsiveness and electroactivity for preparation of smart micelles

248th National Meeting (2014)

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