Biocompatibility evaluation of self-assembled micelles prepared from poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymers

In this work, a series of PLGA-PEG diblock copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide and glycolide using mPEG as macroinitiator and stannous octoate as catalyst. Spherical micelles were obtained from the various copolymers by using co-solvent evaporation method. The biocompatibility of micelles was evaluated with the aim of assessing their potential in the development of drug delivery systems. Various aspects of biocompatibility were considered, including MTT assay, agar diffusion test, release of cytokines, hemolytic test, dynamic clotting time, protein adsorption in vitro, and zebrafish embryonic compatibility in vivo. The combined results revealed that the micelles present good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility in vitro. Moreover, the cumulative effects of micelles throughout embryos developing stages have no toxicity in vivo. It is thus concluded that micelles prepared from PLGA-PEG copolymers present good biocompatibility as potential drug carrier.