Encapsulated hydrophobic agent

Many of the polymer vesicles present in the literature are addressed to drug delivery applications. To achieve their potential as effective delivery vehicles, polymer-somes must efficiently encapsulate therapeutic agents. Their ability to encapsulate molecules into either the aqueous lumen [144,229,234] of the vesicle (e.g., doxorubicin) or the hydrophobic core of the membrane (e.g., taxol (TAX)) has been... 

Liu, X. M., Pramoda, K. R, Yang, Y. Y, Chow, S. Y, He, C. B. (2004). Cholesteryl-grafted functional amphiphilic poly(A-isopropylacrylamide-co-Al-hydroxylmethylacrylamide) synthesis, temperature sensitivity, self-assembly and encapsulation of a hydrophobic agent. Biomaterials, 25, 2619-2628. 

Also, paclitaxel is the most widely used anticancer agent for non-small cell lung cancer [420], Liposomal encapsulated paclitaxel faces the problem of formulation due to the drug s high hydrophobicity. However, a phase I trial with liposomal paclitaxel reported dose-limiting toxicity at the dose of 150 mg/m2/week. Besides, the whole blood clearance of paclitaxel was similar for liposomal and free paclitaxel. 

Silicone-based polymers bearing P-cyclodextrin as side chains have been prepared for the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs that fit the cyclodextrin cavity. The example of the antifungal agent griseofulvin was detailed. 

Bioerodible poly(ortho ester) copolymers containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks have been prepared from di(ketene acetals) and oligomeric diols. These materials form micelles in aqueous solution making them useful as hydrophobic encapsulation agents or as bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of medicaments. 

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