Abstract

Nanoparticles based on poly(propylene succinate) copolymers with poly(ethyleneglycol) (PPSu-PEG) were prepared and evaluated in vitro for their potential for a more selective delivery of cisplatin to tumors using local hyperthermia. The copolymers were synthesized through one-pot melt-polymerization under vacuum. Their thermal properties were investigated using DSC. PPSu-PEG nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin were prepared by a double emulsion method. Their colloidal stability, drug release properties, and in vitro anticancer activity were assessed. The m.p. of the synthesized PPSu-PEG copolymers ranged between 40-45 °C. The PPSu-PEG nanoparticles were stable in aqueous media with high salt concentrations. The average size of the different compositions of the PPSu- PEG nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin ranged between 77 and 126 nm and all compositions exhibited low negative ζ-potential values. The PPSU-PEG/cisplatin nanoparticles released cisplatin much faster at 42 ° C than at 37 ° C and exhibited comparable to free cisplatin cytotoxicity against HT 29 cells, which was increased when the incubation temperature was increased from 37 ° C to 42 ° C. The results justify further investigation of the potential of PPSu-PEG copolymers for the development of temperature-sensitive, targetable cisplatin nanocarriers.

Keywords: Cisplatin, cytotoxicity, hyperthermia, nanoparticles, poly(propylene succinate-poly(ethyleneglycol)