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Perspectives on: PEO-PPO-PEO Triblock Copolymers and their Biomedical Applications

Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomedical Materials (CRIB), University of Naples, Federico II and Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials CNR, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy

A. Borzacchiello

Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomedical Materials (CRIB), University of Naples, Federico II and Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials CNR, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy

P. A. Netti

Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomedical Materials (CRIB), University of Naples, Federico II and Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials CNR, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy, nettipa{at}unina.it

Thermo-reversible polymeric gels represent an interesting class of materials that can be tailored for a wide range of applications. The triblock poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) based systems, PEO-PPO-PEO, show thermoreversible gelation around body temperature and, therefore, are particularly suitable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue engineering. The PEO-PPO-PEO tri-block copolymers have amphiphilic characteristics and self-assemble into micelles to form a variety of close packed structures. By varying the block composition (PEO/PPO ratio) and the molecular weight, it is possible to tailor the final properties of these systems to meet the specific application needs. In this report the thermodynamic basis of micellization of PEO-PPO-PEO systems is described. The factors influencing the micelles formation are discussed along with the methods used to investigate the micellization process and morphology as well as with the main applications of these systems in biomedical fields.

Key Words: PEO-PPO-PEO • pluronics • thermo-reversible gel • block copolymers • micellization • drug delivery • biomedical applications

Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, Vol. 21, No. 2, 149-164 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0883911506063207


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