Novel anionic fluorine-containing amphiphilic self-assembly polymer micelles for potential application in protein drug carrier

An Overview of Recent Advances in Biological and Pharmaceutical Developments of Fluoro-containing Drugs

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This review article provides a brief assessment of the biological and pharmaceutical developments of fluorinated drugs. It also discusses possible impacts on the further development of new fluoro-containing pharmaceuticals. Structural aspects of new drug-candidates currently under development and their biological properties, therapeutic potential and syntheses are critically evaluated

Use of RAFT macro-surfmers for the synthesis of transparent aqueous colloids with tunable interactions

We propose a new method to produce fluorinated nanoparticles (NPs) based on ab initio reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization without the use of toxic surfactants. NP size, surface charge, and chemistry can be controlled via the adoption of different macromolecular transfer agents produced via RAFT polymerization of amphiphilic monomers. Thanks to this versatility, interparticle interactions can be easily tuned by changing solvent composition and temperature. In addition, the refractive index and density of the solvent can simultaneously match those of the NPs by adding sodium polytungstate, an organic salt widely used for density gradient centrifugation. These colloids may be used as model systems for the study of self-assembly and aggregation in aqueous media when optical methods are required.

Poly(HEMA-co-HEMA-PFPA): Synthesis and preparation of stable micelles encapsulating imaging nanoparticles

We report the preparation of stable micelles from random copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA)-derivatized HEMA (HEMA-PFPA). The copolymers were synthesized by RAFT polymerization at room temperature under mild conditions without affecting the azide functionality. Upon addition of water to the copolymer solution in DMSO, the random copolymers self-assembled into micelles even at the percentage of HEMA-PFPA as low as 4.5%. The size of the micelles can be controlled by the molecular weight and the concentration of the copolymer, and the percentage of HEMA-PFPA in the copolymer. In addition, iron oxide nanoparticles and quantum dots were successfully encapsulated into the micelles with high encapsulation efficiency (∼80%). These nanoparticles, which were hydrophobic and formed agglomerates in water, became fully dispersed after encapsulating into the micelles. The micelles were stable and the size remained unchanged for at least 6months.

Shape Memory Actuation of Janus Nanoparticles with Amphipathic Cross-Linked Network

Preparation of nanoscale Janus particles that can respond to external stimulation and, at the same time, be prepared using an easily achievable method presents a significant challenge. Here, we have demonstrated the shape memory of Janus nanoparticles (SMJNPs) with a multifunctional combination of Janus nanostructure and a shape memory effect, composed of a well-defined amphipathic sucrose-poly(ε-caprolactone) cross-linked network. A sudden negative pressure method was first used to prepare the Janus-shaped nanoparticles (temporary shape), which can switch their shape and wettability. The Janus-shaped nanoparticle is an amphipathic structure composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. Moreover, in response to temperature, the nanoparticle can recover their nanosphere state via a shape memory process. The novel Janus nanoparticles with the shape memory property also show a great potential for application such as drug delivery.

Asymmetric epoxidation of unfunctionalized olefins accelerated by thermoresponsive self-assemblies in aqueous systems

A thermoresponsive self-assembled nanoreactor, comprising a hydrophilic PNIPAAm shell and a hydrophobic chiral salen Mn^III complex core, exhibits unprecedented efficiency and facile reusability in asymmetric epoxidation of unfunctionalized olefins in pure water without using any organic solvents.