New smart micellar systems from linseed oil : synthesis, physico-chemical behavior and loading

Small micellar systems seem to be really promising candidates for drug delivery applications. In order to improve the bio-assimilation of our system, the original synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers from linseed oil is carried out. First, linseed oil is chemically modified in order to introduce a polymerization initiating site. Then, the lipoinitiator is engaged in the controlled polymerization of the hydrophilic block. Two amphiphilic copolymers are obtained through this strategy: a pH-sensitive lipid-b-poly(acrylic acid), and a thermo-sensitive lipid-b-poly(2-isopropyl-oxazoline). Both present a low critical micellar concentration and form small micelles (~10 nm). By mixing both copolymers, mixed micelles responding to both stimuli were obtained. In order to improve the system’s stability, the photo-cross-linking of the lipidic double bonds in the micelle’s core is finally realized.