Volume 14, Issue 34, July - December, 2020

Synthesis and spectroscopic signatures of a novelpolylactide-based nano-organogel

Frank O. Ohwoavworhua^1,2♦, James W. Mitchell²

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
²Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University, Washington DC, USA

^♦Corresponding author
Frank O. Ohwoavworhua Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington DC, USA Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University, Washington DC, USA; Email: frankohwo@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) are small organic molecules known for their gel forming abilities. Depending on experimental conditions, these molecules self-assemble and immobilize organic solvents or water to form organogels or hydrogels, respectively. They find applications in a variety of fields including material science, environmental science and drug delivery. This paper reports a serendipitous observation of the gelation of polylactide (PLA) derivative in a nonpolar solvent to form a new nano-organogel. The structural characteristics of the gel were evaluated. The results show nanometer-sized hexagonal particles, average molecular weight of <1000, presence of double bonds and carboxylic acid functional groups, and nonionic amphiphilic-like structure, which are inherent features that would make the nanostructure a potential versatile drug carrier. Additionally, the abundance of lactyl (CH3CHCO.O) repeating units in its chain length that are contributory to its hydrophobicity suggestsits capability to load poorly watersoluble drugs. Also, the chemistry of the nano-organogel formation is presented. Thus, a new facile method of obtaining low molecular weight, bi-functionalizednano-organogel, with high potential of loading bioactive agents, as well as functioning as excellent adsorbent for organic liquid pollutants, has been developed.

Keywords: formulation, microspheres, methotrexate, controlled release

Drug Discovery, 2020, 14(34), 296-306

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