Ultrasmall polymersomes of poly-α,β-(N-2-hydroxyethyl l-aspartamide)-graft-poly(l-lactic acid) copolymers as a potential drug carrier

Abstract

Ultrasmall polymersomes of poly-α,β-(N-2-hydroxyethyl L-aspartamide)-graft-poly(L-lactic acid), 40–45 nm in diameter, were prepared based on a well-defined graft copolymer architecture and well-managed self-assembly process. The ultrasmall polymersomes are a proposed drug delivery platform based on their suitable size, narrow size distribution, uniform morphology, and high thermodynamic stability, which satisfy prerequisites for systemic drug delivery carriers. The functionality and versatility of this system as a potential general drug delivery platform are supported by its biodegradability, favorable modifiable chemical formula, and flexible polymersome size that could be tuned to a nanoscopic range by manipulating the thermodynamic balance of the self-assembly process.