Suitable carrier systems for sustained release of curcumin were studied by using the selfassembled polymeric micelles. Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether and poly(aromatic anhydride) were used as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks, respectively, in forming amphiphilic diblock copolymers. Four different types of polymers methoxy poly(ethylene glycolb-1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane) (mPEG 5000 CPP, mPEG 2000 CPP ), methoxy poly(ethylene glycol-b-1,6-bis(pcarboxyphenoxy)hexane) (mPEG 5000 CPH, mPEG 2000 CPH) were synthesized via melt condensation approach. Micelles were formed at very low polymer concentration with stable hydrophobic cores. The particle sizes of micelles remained stable during degradation period. All four different polymeric micelles showed low cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts cells and can kill cancer cells in very low concentrations. High loading efficiency and drug content were observed in curcumin-loaded micelles. Curcumin showed mild initial burst (30% of drug loading in the first 24 h) when released from the micelles and its release was sustained for at least 18 days. These micelles, especially those of mPEG 5000 CPP, show potential to serve as the delivery vehicles for sustained release of curcumin.

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To further enhance the performance of biodegradable polymer‐based medical devices, there is an increasing need to obtain independent control of key properties such as mechanical strength, degradation rate, and bioactivity. In this study, biodegradable copolymers of poly(1,6‐bis‐p‐carboxyphenoxyhexane‐co‐sebacic anhydride) (CPH:SA) are synthesized, via melt condensation techniques, at three different molar ratios (7 : 3, 5 : 5, and 3 : 7). Tablets of the copolymers are prepared by mold casting at high temperature. Using an in vitro degradation test, copolymer tablets demonstrate a suitable mechanical strength, a slight decrease in pH value, and a slow degradation rate. High cell viability is observed on the surface of the copolymer tablets. The 3‐(4,5dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl) 2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead staining demonstrate reduced toxicity and high cell survival. In vitro testing with C2C12 cells reveals good cellular attachment and spreading on the tablet surfaces, with the best properties displayed by the 7 : 3 molar ratio copolymer. Materials composed of CPH:SA have the potential to serve as medical implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013