Preparation and characterization of poly (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-block-poly(D,L-lactide) polymer nanoparticles

A poly(D,L-lactide)-bromine macroinitiator was synthesized for use in the preparation of a novel biocompatible polymer. This amphiphilic diblock copolymer consisted of biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and was formed by atom transfer radical polymerization. Polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by a dialysis process in a select solvent. The shape and structure of the polymeric nanoparticles were determined by H-1 NMR, atomic force microscopy, and xi-potential measurements. The results of cytotoxicity tests showed the good cytocompatibility of the lipid-like diblock copolymer poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)block-poly(D,L-lactide). (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.