Biodegradable Core–Multishell Nanocarriers: Influence of Inner Shell Structure on the Encapsulation Behavior of Dexamethasone and Tacrolimus

We here present the synthesis and characterization of a set of biodegradable core–multishell (CMS) nanocarriers. The CMS nanocarrier structure consists of hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) as core material, a hydrophobic (12, 15, 18, 19, and 36 C-atoms) inner and a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG) outer shell that were conjugated by ester bonds only to reduce the toxicity of metabolites. The loading capacities (LC) of the drugs, dexamethasone and tacrolimus, and the aggregate formation, phase transitions, and degradation kinetics were determined. The intermediate inner shell length (C15) system had the best overall performance with good LCs for both drugs as well as a promising degradation and release kinetics, which are of interest for dermal delivery.