Cationic polymer aggregates based on a polystyrene-b-poly(quaternized 2-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer were prepared at different initial polymer concentrations. The particulate systems were successfully loaded with ciprofloxacin. The hydrodynamic size and dispersity of the resulting particles as well as their ζ potential were found to depend on the total copolymer concentration. The release profiles of the drug from the aggregates were investigated at physiological conditions at dissolution media of pH 7.4 and 1.2. A strong concentration dependent release was observed in both media.
Key words: cationic polymer aggregates, drug delivery, ciprofloxacin, drug release
Topic: CHEMISTRY