PEO‐<i>b</i>‐PCL Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Detailed Characterization, and Selected Micellar Drug Encapsulation Behavior

Abstract Summary: A series of poly(ethylene glycol)‐ block ‐poly( ε ‐caprolactone) diblock copolymers was synthesized and fully characterized. In particular, MALDI‐TOF MS results revealed interesting new insights into their molecular architecture. Small and defined micelles could be prepared from these block copolymers. Utilizing a high‐throughput screening approach, it was observed that these micelles are able to encapsulate/solubilize different guest molecules (e.g. drugs) depending on the solubility of the guest in water. Furthermore, it could be proven that a guest is located within a micelle and that these micelles can be utilized as transport vehicles for the encapsulated guest molecules. PEO‐ b ‐PCL diblock copolymers can encapsulate small guest molecules in the core of the polymeric micelles. image PEO‐ b ‐PCL diblock copolymers can encapsulate small guest molecules in the core of the polymeric micelles.