Synthesis, characterization and release profiles of nanoparticles self-assembled from poly (PEGMA-co-MMA-co-acryloyl-β-CD) copolymers

A novel amphiphilic copolymer was synthesized from poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA950), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acryloyl- β -cyclodextrin (acryloyl- β -CD) using the composites of (NH 4 ) 2 S 2 O 8 /NaHSO 3 as the oxidation–reduction initiators. The successful fabrication of poly(PEGMA-co-MMA-co-acryloyl- β -CD) copolymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectra. The amphiphilic copolymer could self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs), and their morphology and particle size distribution were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. Ibuprofen (IBU) was encapsulated in the novel NPs, and the release profiles of IBU were investigated. FTIR and 1 H NMR spectra illustrated that the poly(PEGMA-co-MMA-co-acryloyl- β -CD) copolymers were synthesized without any residual monomers and initiators. TEM and AFM photographs suggested that the obtained NPs were spherical, and the DLS results indicated that the diameter of blank NPs was 157.3 ± 32.7 nm. The IBU release profile showed that the IBU-loaded NPs had certain pH responsibility. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.