Polydopamine‐Based Hyperbranched Copolymers for Ciprofloxacin/Ibuprofen Dual–Drug Release: Structural Insights and Pathway Toward Controlled Drug Release Applications

ABSTRACT Polyethylene glycol and citric acid‐based hyperbranched polymers underwent modification through the integration of polydopamine (PDA) chains at their terminal ends. This chemical transformation allowed the copolymers to form stable complexes with the loaded drugs, specifically ciprofloxacin and ibuprofen. Spectroscopic studies were conducted to validate the structural modifications induced by the incorporation of PDA chains. The resultant copolymers exhibited distinctive polymersome‐like structures, a fact corroborated by hydrodynamic size measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Notably, these structures demonstrated a self‐aggregation behavior, characterized by a compact core. Further insights into the intricacies of drug release kinetics and interactions within the drug–drug system encapsulated in the highly branched core–shell matrix, a comprehensive model was formulated. Within this model, a novel parameter named the interaction parameter was introduced. This parameter was crucial in capturing the interaction between the two drugs and its effect on the release rate. The biocompatibility of these copolymers was systematically evaluated through a series of in vitro tests, establishing their viability and safety for potential in vivo trials in subsequent experimental phases. This thorough assessment positions the modified copolymers as promising candidates for further exploration in biomedical applications, contributing to the expanding landscape of drug delivery systems.