PLGA(10k)-PEG(5k)-FOL

PLGA(10k)-PEG(5k)-FOL

PLGA(10k)-PEG(5k)-FOL) is a micelle-forming polymer with hydrophobic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) tethered to a hydrophilic PEG. The PLGA segment can be used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs while the PEG can form a tight shell around the core to minimize drug degradation. The polymer is biodegradable via hydrolytic attack on the PLGA ester bonds. The folate moiety enables binding to specific receptor on the surface of a broad spectrum of solid tumor cells. Scientists have shown promising results in mediating (site specific) uptake of various drug loaded nanoparticles by targeting the folate receptor.