ABSTRACT
Objective To prepare reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive Bletilla striata polysaccharide (Oxi-BSP) micelles, optimize their preparation technnology, and evaluate its in vitro characterizations. Methods Oxi-BSP was synthesized, then curcumin (Cur)-loaded micelles were prepared by a dialysis method. The formulation and preparation technology was optimized using an orthogonal design method. The morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, while the particle size, particle distribution, and zeta potential were determined by laser particle size analyzer. Hydrogen peroxide was used to simulate the ROS environment and then the change of micellar morphology was observed. Results The Cur-loaded micelles were spherical with homogeneous distribution, the mean size was (225.33 ± 2.97) nm, the zeta potential was (-16.80 ± 0.37) mV, the encapsulation efficiencies was (85.75 ± 0.87)%, and drug loading capacities was (20.21 ± 0.44)%. And the micelles were responsive to ROS stimuli. Conclusion The obtained micelles display an uniform particle size distribution with moderate drug encapsulation efficiencies and drug loading capacities.