Polyethylene Glycol Aerogels for Targeted Delivery of Pharmaceutical Drubs

Abstract

A polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerogel particles having an average particle diameter not substantially above about 2μ, a volumetric porosity of greater than about 50%, and pore sizes capable of retaining drug molecules. A method for preparing such polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerogel particles includes initiating a catalyzed reaction using a catalyst of PEG forming ingredients to form PEG particles; partially drying the formed PEG particles under conditions to control pore size; and subjecting the partially dried formed PEG particles to CO2 supercritical extraction for form the PEG aerogel particles. Drug molecules include chemotherapeutic agents. The surface of the PEG aerogel particles are reactable with a variety of agents, for example, to selectively target tumors, protects irreversible damage to labile proteins, and protects degradation of sensitive drugs with subsequent loss of biological efficacy.

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