Encapsulation and Release of Doxorubicin from Plasticizer-Transformed Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Microcapsules

ABSTRACT The manuscript reports plasticizer-mediated conversion of poly(ε-caprolactone) hollow particles into microcapsules followed by encapsulation and sustained release of doxorubicin from the microcapsules through a progressive approach. Plasticizer molecules account for increased mobility of polymer chains. Chloroform was observed to be the best plasticizer for potential transformation of the hollow particles into microcapsules, compared to 1,4-dioxane, and toluene. In the next step, an anticancer drug doxorubicin was encapsulated in the hollow particles in presence of chloroform. In vitro release of drug from the microcapsules in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) demonstrated sustained release pattern over 15 days. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT