pH-Responsive PEGylated nanoparticles based on amphiphilic polyaspartamide: preparation, physicochemical characterization andin vitroevaluation

Stimuli-Responsive Poly(aspartamide) Derivatives and Their Applications as Drug Carriers

Poly(aspartamide) derivatives, one kind of amino acid-based polymers with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, meet the key requirements for application in various areas of biomedicine. Poly(aspartamide) derivatives with stimuli-responsiveness can usually respond to external stimuli to change their chemical or physical properties. Using external stimuli such as temperature and pH as switches, these smart poly(aspartamide) derivatives can be used for convenient drug loading and controlled release. Here, we review the synthesis strategies for preparing these stimuli-responsive poly(aspartamide) derivatives and the latest developments in their applications as drug carriers.

Poly(aspartic acid) in Biomedical Applications: From Polymerization, Modification, Properties, Degradation, and Biocompatibility to Applications

Poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) is an anionic polypeptide that is a highly versatile, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer that fulfils key requirements for use in a wide variety of biomedical applications. The derivatives of PASP can be readily tailored via the amine-reactive precursor, poly(succinimide) (PSI), which opens up a large window of opportunity for the design and development of novel biomaterials. PASP also has a strong affinity with calcium ions, resulting in complexation, which has been exploited for bone targeting and biomineralization. In addition, recent studies have further verified the biocompatibility and biodegradability of PASP-based polymers, which is attributed to their protein-like structure. In light of growing interest in PASP and its derivatives, this paper presents a comprehensive review on their synthesis, characterization, modification, biodegradation, biocompatibility, and applications in biomedical areas.

Hydrogels Based on Poly(aspartic acid): Synthesis and Applications

This review presents an overview on the recent progress in the synthesis, crosslinking, interpenetrating networks, and applications of poly(aspartic acid) (PASP)-based hydrogels. PASP is a synthetic acidic polypeptide that has drawn a great deal of attention in diverse applications due particularly to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Facile modification of its precursor, poly(succinimide) (PSI), by primary amines has opened a wide window for the design of state-of-the-art hydrogels. Apart from pH-sensitivity, PASP hydrogels can be modified with suitable species in order to respond to the other desired stimuli such as temperature and reducing/oxidizing media as well. Strategies for fabrication of nanostructured PASP-based hydrogels in the form of particle and fiber are also discussed. Different cross-linking agents for PSI/PASP such as diamines, dopamine, cysteamine, and aminosilanes are also introduced. Finally, applications of PASP-based hydrogels in diverse areas particularly in biomedical are reviewed.

MRI-visible and pH-sensitive micelles loaded with doxorubicin for hepatoma treatment

A novel pH-sensitive micelle was constructed to efficiently co-deliver SPIONs and doxorubicin for cancer theranostic application.

Lignocellulosic biomass: a sustainable platform for the production of bio-based chemicals and polymers

The ongoing research activities in the field of lignocellulosic biomass for production of value-added chemicals and polymers that can be utilized to replace petroleum-based materials are reviewed.