Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-lactic
acid) (MPELLA) was prepared by the melt polycondensation
of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and l-lactic acid.
The structure and properties of MPELLA were characterized
by IR, 1H-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, and wideangle
X-ray diffraction. To estimate its feasibility as a vehicle
for paclitaxel, MPELLA nanoparticles were prepared by a
self-emulsification/solvent evaporation method. The paclitaxel-
loaded nanoparticles (PMTs) showed a spherical morphology
with an inner core and an outer shell. The size, size distribution, and loading capacity of PMTs were also measured.
The release kinetics of paclitaxel from PMTs in vitro
was studied. The results show that paclitaxel can be effectively
incorporated into MPELLA nanoparticles, which provide
a delivery system for paclitaxel and other hydrophobic
or toxic compounds.