Comparison of PLLA‐PEG and PDLLA‐PEG micelles for co‐encapsulation of docetaxel and resveratrol

Abstract

The interest in combining chemosensitizers with cytostatics in cancer therapy is growing, which causes also a need to develop their delivery systems. Example of the combination with beneficial therapeutic effects is docetaxel (Dtx) and resveratrol (Res). Although poly(lactide)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA–PEG) micelles have been considered as one of the most promising platforms for drug delivery, their properties may depend on the stereoisomeric form of hydrophobic block. Therefore, the aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of PLA block on co‐encapsulation and release rate of Dtx and Res, which has not been studied so far. This article presents a comparison of single‐ (Dtx or Res) and dual‐drug (Dtx and Res) loaded micelles obtained from poly(l,l‐lactide)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA‐PEG) and poly(d,l‐lactide)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PDLLA‐PEG). The analyzes of the micelles have been conducted including morphology, drug(s) encapsulation efficiency, intermolecular interactions, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity. Differences in drug loading ability and release profile have been observed between Res and Dtx but also depending on the polymer and number of drugs in micelles (single vs. dual loaded). The PLLA‐PEG micelles have a significantly higher Dtx encapsulation capacity than PDLLA‐PEG micelles. The highest cytotoxicity was shown for Dtx and Res dual‐loaded micelles, regardless of the polymer. The findings may be used for selection of PLA‐based drug delivery systems containing Dtx and Res.