Tetronic® 1307-Based Polymeric Micelles and Thermoresponsive Gels for the Co-Delivery of Pentamidine and Miltefosine
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Pentamidine isethionate (PTM) and miltefosine (MF) are clinically relevant antiparasitic agents whose use is limited by toxicity, emerging resistance, and the lack of effective co-delivery strategies. Tetronic® 1307 (T1307), an amphiphilic and thermoresponsive block copolymer, was investigated as a carrier to enable their combination therapy. Methods: PTM and MF were formulated in T1307-based micelles and thermoresponsive gels. The systems were characterized by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Antiparasitic activity was evaluated against Leishmania major promastigotes. Results: MF formed stable micelles that efficiently incorporated PTM, generating a “drug-in-drug” architecture. While T1307 alone showed limited PTM loading, MF promoted mixed micelle formation and enhanced PTM incorporation. At physiological temperature and adequate copolymer concentrations, drug-loaded micelles formed thermoreversible gels suitable for topical application. The combined formulations preserved drug activity and exhibited synergistic effects against L. major. Conclusions: T1307 is a promising platform for the co-delivery of PTM and MF, enabling synergistic combination therapy and thermoresponsive gel formation with potential to reduce systemic toxicity and improve treatment administration.
Source: Pharmaceutics
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G1105844351, G1175115578, G1689194922, G2262748287, G294895050, G300979063, G3108985476, G3480869486, G425668148, G4385626043, G464105488, G491712853, G5080475149, G5214689270, G5635532810, G593054264, G6271517897, G7084143925, IMR-MIP DANSE - Distributed Data Analysis for Neutron Scattering Experiments - CNST, G7395345766, G7805626310, G7863371703, G8345352404, G8497050386, G8667377315
OpenAlex ID: W7128724687