Development and characterization of a novel mixed polymeric micelle as a potential therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare, aggressive bone tumor that impacts mostly children and young adults. Despite numerous therapeutic efforts, OS still presents a low patient survival rate, high metastasis, and relapse occurrence. To surpass that, polymeric micelles have been researched for the targeted co-delivery of genetic material and drugs. In this work, mixed polymeric micelles with cationic properties containing polyethyleneimine (PEI), Pluronics® F68 and P123 were prepared. Pluronic® F68 was activated by addition of diacrylate groups and conjugated with PEI. Pluronic® P123 was incorporated in the formulation in a ratio of 2:1 regarding the concentration of Pluronic® F68-PEI and Pluronic® P123. The nanosystems were structurally characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy and the morphology was assessed by TEM. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential were assessed by Dynamic and Electrophoretic Light Scattering, respectively. Small-sized, irregularly shaped F68-PEI micelles were obtained, with a PDI of 0.346 and zeta potential of 12.59 mV. Incorporating Pluronic® P123 in the formulation lowered particle size and resulted in spherical micelles. Zeta potential decreased due the presence of Pluronic® P123, but remained positive. These results indicate a stable, small-sized nanosystem, characteristics that suggest a capability to surpass multidrug resistance and perform active targeting towards OS.