PLA-based core-shell structure stereocomplexed nanoparticles with enhanced loading and release profile of paclitaxel

: In the present study, to achieve high paclitaxel (PTX) loading in a conjugated drug delivery system with minimal long-term side effects, we formulated a novel degradable stereocomplexed micelle-like particle with a core-shell structure. : In this system, methoxy polyethylene glycol (MPEG) acted as the hydrophilic shell, and the stereocomplex of polylactic acid with PTX (SCPLA-PTX) acted as the hydrophobic core. The MPEG-SCPLA-PTX micelle-like particles were synthesized via the self-assembly of a MPEG-poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) copolymer with a PTX-poly D-lactic acid-PTX copolymer. The resultant copolymers and their intermediates were characterized using H nuclear magnetic resonance and GPC. Micelle-like particles with different molecular weight ratios of MPEG and PLLA were synthesized to demonstrate the functions of both components. : PTX loading into MPEG2000Da-PLLA6000Da particles reached as high as 20.11%. At 216 h, the cumulative release from MPEG5000Da-PLLA6000Da, MPEG2000Da-PLLA6000Da, and MPEG5000Da-PLLA22000Da particles were 51.5%, 37.7%, and 52.0%, respectively. : According to the cell uptake experiments, inhibition of tumor cell growth was satisfactory, indicating that the stereocomplexed particles developed in the present study can be employed as a promising nanocarrier for PTX delivery.