Study on fully cross-linked poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-epigallocatechin) nanospheres and their application as drug delivery carriers

In this research, hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) was cross-linked with epigallocatechin (EGC) via one-pot precipitation polymerization. The synthesis was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The cross-linking density of the nanospheres was investigated by EPR spectroscopy. The mole ratio of HCCP:EGC had a major effect on the nanospheres’ formation, growth, particle size, and shape. The thermal properties of the nanospheres were improved due to their cross-linked polymeric structures. The PCTPEC-3 nanospheres were used as anti-cancer drug carriers and the in vitro drug release profile was studied. The findings revealed that the cumulative release of drugs was dependent on the pH environment.