A novel well-defined linear poly(ε-caprolactone) (P1) containing terminal azobenzene and ethyne groups was successfully synthesized through tin-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-(3ethynylphenylazo)aniline (BHA) in bulk. Subsequent reactions allowed the synthesis of the corresponding bromoester end-functionalized polymer (P2), w...

Amphiphilic block copolymers have attracted a great deal of attention in drug delivery systems. In this work, a series of monomethoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) (MPEG-PCLA) copolymers with variable composition of poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) were prepared via ring-opening copolymerization of ε-CL and D,L-LA in the presence of MPEG a...

Background: Glibenclamide is a lipophilic drug widely used in type 2 diabetes treatment. However, its low bioavailability limits its use. Thus, novel formulations should be applied to improve the drug’s bioavailability. Objectives: This study aimed to develop alternative carriers for oral delivery of glibenclamide. For this purpose, two biocompatible polymers, poly(e-caprolactone) and poly(but...

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based materials allow for the direct conversion of light into heat and then mechanical force in so-called photo-mechanical effect. This effect has been observed almost solely form polymer (nano)composites, where CNTs act as active fillers. To overcome issue with heterogeneous distribution, hybrids based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) covalently modified poly(2-hy...

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel lipid-polymer hybrid drug carrier comprised of folate (FA) modified lipid-shell and polymer-core nanoparticles (FLPNPs) for sustained, controlled, and targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX). The core-shell NPs consist of 1) a poly(ε-caprolactone) hydrophobic core based on self-assembly of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolact...

BACKGROUND Curcumin (CUR) has been linked with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti amyloid, and antitumor effects, but its application is limited because of its low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability. METHODS To improve its bioavailability and water solubility, we synthesized two series of poly (ε-Caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-Caprolactone) tribloc...

Hydrogels, electrospun fiber mats (EFMs), and their composites have been extensively studied for tissue engineering because of their physical and chemical similarity to native biological systems. However, while chemically similar, hydrogels and electrospun fiber mats display very different topographical features. Here, we examine the influence of surface topography and composition of hydrogels,...