Exploration of a Novel Catalytic Approach for Synthesizing Glycolide and ε-Caprolactone Copolymers and Their Application as Carriers for Paclitaxel

Biodegradable polyesters serve as matrices in pharmaceutical applications for the controlled release of therapeutic agents. These polymers are essential in the advancement of drug delivery systems (DDSs) that facilitate the gradual drug release over a predetermined duration. Therefore, this study introduces the novel use of a diethyl zinc/propyl gallate catalytic system to synthesize glycolide/ε-caprolactone copolymers (PGCL) for subsequent biomedical applications. A total of twenty-four biodegradable copolymeric matrices, characterized by a highly random microstructure and an average molecular weight (<i>M</i>_n) ranging from approximately 27 to 62 kDa, were synthesized and analyzed. The resulting copolymer samples underwent Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) and Umu tests, revealing no signs of cyto- or genotoxicity. Furthermore, a hemolysis assay was conducted on selected samples, indicating their suitability for intravenous administration. Finally, a release study of paclitaxel (PACL) from one of the synthesized matrices demonstrated a sustained and highly controlled drug release profile, following first-order kinetics and the Fickian diffusion mechanism.