@article {47077,
	title = {Green synthesis of methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer using zinc proline as a biocompatible initiator for irinotecan delivery to colon cancer in vivo},
	journal = {Biomaterials Science},
	volume = {9},
	year = {2021},
	month = {FEB},
	pages = {795-806},
	type = {Article},
	abstract = {<p>Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is the most commonly described biocompatible copolymer used in biomedical applications. In this work, a green synthetic approach based on the biocompatible zinc proline complex, as an initiator for PLGA synthesis, is reported for the first time for the synthesis of methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG-PLGA). mPEG-PLGA with controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity was synthesised. Its potential for delivery of irinotecan (Ir), a poorly water-soluble chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of colon and pancreatic cancer, was studied. Nanoparticles of controlled size (140-160 nm), surface charge (similar to-10 mV), release properties and cytotoxicity against CT-26 (colon) and BxPC-3 (pancreatic) cancer cells, were prepared. Tumor accumulation was confirmed by optical imaging of fluorescently labelled nanoparticles. Unlike Tween (R) 80 coated NP-Ir, the Pluronic (R) F-127 coated NP-Ir exhibits significant tumor growth delay compared to untreated and blank formulation treated groups in the CT-26 subcutaneous tumor model, after 4 treatments of 30 mg irinotecan per kg dose. Overall, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the newly synthesized copolymer, via a green route, is proven to be nontoxic, requires fewer purification steps and has potential applications in drug delivery.</p>
},
	issn = {2047-4830},
	doi = {10.1039/d0bm01421d},
	author = {Giram, Prabhanjan S. and Wang, Julie Tzu-Wen and Walters, Adam A. and Rade, Priyanka P. and Akhtar, Muhammad and Han, Shunping and Faruqu, Farid N. and Abdel-Bar, Hend M. and Garnaik, Baijayantimala and Al-Jamal, Khuloud T.}
}
@article {50024,
	title = {Green synthesis of PLGA and fabrication of topotecan and thymoquinone dual anticancer drug loaded PLGA nanoparticles: a controlled release study for cancer therapy},
	journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A-Pure and Applied Chemistry},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2026},
	month = {MAR},
	pages = {232-246},
	type = {Article},
	abstract = {<p>
	Cancer therapy is often hindered by poor solubility, low bioavailability, drug resistance, and tumor microenvironmental barriers associated with conventional chemotherapeutics. Polymeric nano-drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to overcome these limitations, particularly for synergistic multi-drug delivery. In this study, a biodegradable and biocompatible PLGA copolymer (70:30, M-w approximate to 14,500) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization using zinc proline complex as an initiator through a green route. The copolymer{\textquoteright}s potential for delivering topotecan (TPT), a water-soluble chemotherapeutic, thymoquinone (TQ), a poorly water-soluble chemotherapeutic, and their combination (TPT+TQ) for cancer treatment was investigated. These nanoparticles demonstrateda consistent particle size \&lt; 200 nm high encapsulation efficiency along with desirable controlled-release attributes. Moreover, they exhibited specific release characteristics and cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells, achieving an IC50 value of 20.88 M for the combination therapy (TPT+TQ). Additionally, cytocompatibility testing on L929 fibroblasts confirmed over 98\% cell viability for blank PLGA nanoparticles. Additionally, confocal imaging studies confirmed efficient cellular uptake and nuclear localization of the nanoparticles. Overall, the PLGA based dual drug loaded nanoparticles presents a promising approach for targeted, synergistic co-delivery, potentially improving efficacy and reducing toxicity in cancer therapy.</p>
},
	keywords = {Biodegradation, dual drug-loading, PLGA copolymer, thymoquinone, Topotecan},
	issn = {1060-1325},
	doi = {10.1080/10601325.2026.2618022},
	author = {Srilatha Cheekuramelli, Naga and Muhammed, Hasin N. and Garnaik, Baijayantimala and Sukumaran Nair, Kiran}
}
