Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-b-polyphosphoester diblock copolymers bearing multifunctional pendant groups

Cinnamyl-Modified Polyglycidol/Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Block Copolymer Nanocarriers for Enhanced Encapsulation and Prolonged Release of Cannabidiol

The present study describes the development of novel block copolymer nanocarriers of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), designed to enhance the solubility of the drug in water while achieving high encapsulation efficiency and prolonged drug release. Firstly, a well-defined amphiphilic block copolymer consisting of two outer hydrophilic polyglycidol (PG) blocks and a middle hydrophobic block of poly(ε-caprolactone) bearing pendant cinnamyl moieties (P(CyCL-co-CL)) were synthesized by the click coupling reaction of PG-monoalkyne and P(CyCL-co-CL)-diazide functional macroreagents. A non-modified polyglycidol/poly(ε-caprolactone) amphiphilic block copolymer was obtained as a referent system. Micellar carriers based on the two block copolymers were formed via the solvent evaporation method and loaded with CBD following two different protocols-loading during micelle formation and loading into preformed micelles. The key parameters/characteristics of blank and CBD-loaded micelles such as size, size distribution, zeta potential, molar mass, critical micelle concentration, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency were determined by using dynamic and static multiangle and electrophoretic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Embedding CBD into the micellar carriers affected their hydrodynamic radii to some extent, while the spherical morphology of particles was not changed. The nanoformulation based on the copolymer bearing cinnamyl moieties possessed significantly higher encapsulation efficiency and a slower rate of drug release than the non-modified copolymer. The comparative assessment of the antiproliferative effect of micellar CBD vs. the free drug against the acute myeloid leukemia-derived HL-60 cell line and Sezary Syndrome HUT-78 demonstrated that the newly developed systems have pronounced antitumor activity.

Thermoresponsive Polyphosphoester via Polycondensation Reactions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Self-Assembly

Using a novel strategy, amphiphilic polyphosphoesters based on poly(oxyethylene H-phosphonate)s (POEHP) with different poly(ethylene glycol) segment lengths and aliphatic alcohols with various alkyl chain lengths were synthesized using polycondensation reactions. They were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C {H} NMR ³¹P NMR, IR, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The effects of the polymer structure on micelle formation and stability, micelle size, and critical micelle temperature were studied via dynamic light scattering (DLS). The hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of these polymers can be controlled by changing the chain lengths of hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic alcohols. A solubilizing test, using Sudan III, revealed that hydrophobic substances can be incorporated inside the hydrophobic core of polymer associates. Loading capacity depends on the length of alkyl side chains. The results obtained indicate that these structurally flexible polymers have the potential as drug carriers.

LDH-doped electrospun short fibers enable dual drug loading and multistage release for chemotherapy of drug-resistant cancer cells

LDH-incorporated PLGA short nanofibers can be loaded with dual drugs for multistage release and chemotherapy of drug-resistant cancer cells.

Polyesters with main and side chain phosphoesters as structural motives for biocompatible electrospun fibres

The functionalisation of polymacrolactones with phosphoesters was achieved by thiol–ene coupling resulting in copolymers with modulated properties.

Functional biodegradable polymers via ring-opening polymerization of monomers without protective groups

Biodegradable polymers are of current interest and chemical functionality in such materials is often demanded in advanced biomedical applications. Functional groups often are not tolerated in the polymerization process of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and therefore protective groups need to be applied. Advantageously, several orthogonally reactive functions are available, which do not demand protection during ROP. We give an insight into available, orthogonally reactive cyclic monomers and the corresponding functional synthetic and biodegradable polymers, obtained from ROP. Functionalities in the monomer are reviewed, which are tolerated by ROP without further protection and allow further post-modification of the corresponding chemically functional polymers after polymerization. Synthetic concepts to these monomers are summarized in detail, preferably using precursor molecules. Post-modification strategies for the reported functionalities are presented and selected applications highlighted.

High definition polyphosphoesters: between nucleic acids and plastics

Nucleic acids and synthetic polyphosphoester materials have been distinct fields – this review shows how these areas now comprise a continuum.

Employing the cyclophosphate to accelerate the degradation of nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) (n-HA/PAA) composite materials

Owing to the good degradability and biocompatibility of polyphosphoesters (PPEs), the aim of the current study was to investigate a novel degradable composite of nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) (n-HA/PAA) with cyclophosphate (CPE) via in situ melting polymerization to improve the degradation of n-HA/PAA. The structure of each composite was characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The degradation properties were studied in terms of the weight loss and pH in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution, while the surface morphology was examined using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) after soaking the surface in simulated body fluid (SBF). The cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used for the analysis of cytocompatibility. The weight loss results showed that the n-HA/PAA composite was 9.98 wt%, weighed after soaking in the PBS solution for 12 weeks, whereas the nano-hydroxyapatite/polyphosphoester-amino acid (n-HA/PPE-AA) composite was 46.94 wt%. The pH of the composites was in a suitable range between 6.64 to 7.06 and finally stabilized at 7.39. The SEM and EDS results revealed the formation of an apatite-like layer on the surface of the n-HA/PPE-AA composites after soaking in SBF for one week. The cell counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay of the cell culture in the leaching liquid of the n-HA/PPE-AA composites exhibited non-cytotoxicity and high-proliferation, and the cell adhesion showed the well spreading and normal phenotype extension of the cells on the n-HA/PPE-AA composites surface. Concurrently, the co-culture results of the composites and cells confirmed that the n-HA/PPE-AA composites exhibited a higher ALP activity. In summary, the results demonstrated that the n-HA/PPE-AA composites had a controllable degradation property, good bioactivity, and cytocompatibility.

Investigation and Demonstration of Catalyst/Initiator-Driven Selectivity in Thiol-Michael Reactions

Thiol-Michael "click" reactions are essential synthetic tools in the preparation of various materials including polymers, dendrimers, and other macromolecules. Despite increasing efforts to apply thiol-Michael chemistry in a controlled fashion, the selectivity of base- or nucleophile-promoted thiol-Michael reactions in complex mixtures of multiple thiols and/or acceptors remains largely unknown. Herein, we report a thorough fundamental study of the selectivity of thiol-Michael reactions through a series of 270 ternary reactions using ¹H NMR spectroscopy to quantify product selectivity. The varying influences of different catalysts/initiators are explored using ternary reactions between two Michael acceptors and a single thiol or between a single Michael acceptor and two thiols using three different catalysts/initiators (triethylamine, DBU, and dimethylphenylphosphine) in chloroform. The results from the ternary reactions provide a platform from which sequential quaternary, one-pot quaternary, and sequential senary thiol-Michael reactions were designed and their selectivities quantified. These results provide insights into the design of selective thiol-Michael reactions that can be used for the synthesis and functionalization of multicomponent polymers and further informs how catalyst/initiator choice influences the reactivity between a given thiol and Michael acceptor.

Reversal of paclitaxel resistance in human ovarian cancer cells with redox-responsive micelles consisting of α-tocopheryl succinate-based polyphosphoester copolymers

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in achieving the therapeutic benefits of paclitaxel (PTX) in the treatment of human ovarian carcinoma. This study is aimed to develop an efficient PTX drug delivery approach to overcome MDR. Redox-responsive micelles consisting of amphiphilic polymers containing disulfide linkages, ie, poly (phosphate ester)-SS-D-α-tocopheryl succinate (POPEA-SS-TOS, PSST) were prepared. PTX-loaded PSST micelles (PTX/PSST-M) designed to display synergistic functions, including reversible inhibition of P-gp, intracellular redox-sensitive release and potent anticancer activities. The average size of PTX/PSST-M was 68.1±4.9 nm. The encapsulated PTX was released quickly through redox-triggered dissociation of micelles. The inhibition of P-gp activity and enhanced cellular accumulation of the PSST micelles were validated. PTX/PSST-M showed significantly increased cytotoxicity against PTX-resistant human ovarian cancer A2780/PTX cells: when the cells were treated with PTX/PSST-M for 48 h, the equivalent IC₅₀ value of PTX was reduced from 61.51 to 0.49 μmol/L. The enhanced cytotoxic effects of PTX/PSST-M against A2780/PTX cells were attributed to their synergistic effects on reducing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, ATP depletion, ROS production, and activation of apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, PTX/PSST-M significantly increased cell apoptosis/necrosis and cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase in A2780/PTX cells. These results demonstrate that the redox-responsive PSST micelles inhibit P-gp activity and have a good potential to effectively reverse PTX resistance in human ovarian carcinoma cells by activating intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Polyphosphoesters: New Trends in Synthesis and Drug Delivery Applications

Polymers with repeating phosphoester linkages in the backbone are biodegradable materials that emerge as a promising class of novel biomaterials, especially in the field of drug delivery systems. In contrast to aliphatic polyesters, the pentavalency of the phosphorus atom offers a large diversity of structures and as a consequence a wide range of properties for these materials. In this paper, it is focused on the synthesis of well-defined polyphosphoesters (PPEs) by organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization, improving the functionalities by combination with click reactions, degradation of functional PPEs and their cytotoxicity, and inputs for applications in drug delivery.

Precise modular synthesis and a structure–property study of acid-cleavable star-block copolymers for pH-triggered drug delivery

A series of well-defined three-armed star-block copolymers (mPEG-a-PCL-a-)₃ linked with acid-cleavable acetal groups have been prepared and used for the pH-triggered delivery of doxorubicin.

Multifunctional poly(phosphoester)s with two orthogonal protective groups

2-(2-(Benzyloxy)ethoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane-2-oxide was developed for the ring-opening polymerization to multifunctional poly(phosphoester)s. An acetal-protected comonomer allows selective release of the hydroxyl groups by hydrolysis and hydrogenation.

Core cross-linked polyphosphoester micelles with folate-targeted and acid-cleavable features for pH-triggered drug delivery

Novel folate-conjugated acid-cleavable core cross-linked polyphosphoester micelles have been prepared and used for pH and enzyme-triggered delivery of doxorubicin.

Facile synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymers bearing pendant hydroxyl groups

Novel amphiphilic block copolymers bearing pendant hydroxyl groups polylactide-b-poly(3,3-bis(Hydroxymethyl-triazolylmethyl) oxetane)-b-polylactide (PLA-b-PHMTYO-b-PLA) were synthesized via a facile and efficient method. First, the block copolymer intermediates polylactide-b-poly(3,3-Diazidomethyloxetane)-b-polylactide (PLA-b-PBAMO-b-PLA) were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of lactide using PBAMO as a macroinitiator. Following "Click" reaction of PLA-b-PBAMO-b-PLA with propargyl alcohol provided the targeted amphiphilic block copolymers PLA-b-PHMTYO-b-PLA with pendant hydroxyl groups. The composition and structure of prepared copolymers were characterized by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The self-assembly behavior of the copolymers in water was investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS). The results showed that the novel copolymers PLA-b-PHMTYO-b-PLA self-assembled into spherical micelles with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 200 nm in aqueous solution. These copolymers also exhibited low critical micellar concentrations (CMC: 6.9 × 10(-4)mg/mL and 3.9 × 10(-5)mg/mL, respectively). In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of these copolymers was determined in the presence of L929 cells. The results showed that the block copolymers PLA-b-PHMTYO-b-PLA exhibited better biocompatibility. Therefore, these well-defined copolymers are expected to find some applications in drug delivery or tissue engineering.

Galactosylated biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone-co-phosphoester) random copolymer nanoparticles for potent hepatoma-targeting delivery of doxorubicin

A novel biocompatible and biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone-co-phosphoester) random copolymer conjugated with galactosamine has been synthesized and used for hepatoma-targeting delivery of doxorubicin.

Thiol–ene “click” reactions and recent applications in polymer and materials synthesis: a first update

This contribution serves as an update to a previous review (Polym. Chem.2010,1, 17–36) and highlights recent applications of thiol–ene ‘click’ chemistry as an efficient tool for both polymer/materials synthesis as well as modification.

Surface charges and shell crosslinks each play significant roles in mediating degradation, biofouling, cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity for polyphosphoester-based nanoparticles

The construction of nanostructures from biodegradable precursors and shell/core crosslinking have been pursued as strategies to solve the problems of toxicity and limited stability, respectively. Polyphosphoester (PPE)-based micelles and crosslinked nanoparticles with non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surface characteristics for potential packaging and delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, were constructed using a quick and efficient synthetic strategy, and importantly, demonstrated remarkable differences in terms of cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and biofouling properties, as a function of their surface characteristics and also with dependence on crosslinking throughout the shell layers. For instance, crosslinking of zwitterionic micelles significantly reduced the immunotoxicity, as evidenced from the absence of secretions of any of the 23 measured cytokines from RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages treated with the nanoparticles. The micelles and their crosslinked analogs demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than several commercially-available vehicles, and their degradation products were not cytotoxic to cells at the range of the tested concentrations. PPE-nanoparticles are expected to have broad implications in clinical nanomedicine as alternative vehicles to those involved in several of the currently available medications.

Multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted delivery of immune activating and cancer therapeutic agents

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively investigated for applications in both experimental and clinical settings to improve delivery efficiency of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Most recently, novel multifunctional nanoparticles have attracted much attention because of their ability to carry diverse functionalities to achieve effective synergistic therapeutic treatments. Multifunctional NPs have been designed to co-deliver multiple components, target the delivery of drugs by surface functionalization, and realize therapy and diagnosis simultaneously. In this review, various materials of diverse chemistries for fabricating multifunctional NPs with distinctive architectures are discussed and compared. Recent progress involving multifunctional NPs for immune activation, anticancer drug delivery, and synergistic theranostics is the focus of this review. Overall, this comprehensive review demonstrates that multifunctional NPs have distinctive properties that make them highly suitable for targeted therapeutic delivery in these areas.

Rapid and versatile construction of diverse and functional nanostructures derived from a polyphosphoester-based biomimetic block copolymer system

A rapid and efficient approach for the preparation and modification of a versatile class of functional polymer nanoparticles has been developed, for which the entire engineering process from small molecules to polymers to nanoparticles bypasses typical slow and inefficient procedures and rather employs a series of steps that capture fully the "click" chemistry concepts that have greatly facilitated the preparation of complex polymer materials over the past decade. The construction of various nanoparticles with functional complexity from a versatile platform is a challenging aim to provide materials for fundamental studies and also optimization toward a diverse range of applications. In this paper, we demonstrate the rapid and facile preparation of a family of nanoparticles with different surface charges and functionalities based on a biodegradable polyphosphoester block copolymer system. From a retrosynthetic point of view, the nonionic, anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic micelles with hydrodynamic diameters between 13 and 21 nm and great size uniformity were quickly formed by suspending, independently, four amphiphilic diblock polyphosphoesters into water, which were functionalized from the same parental hydrophobic-functional AB diblock polyphosphoester by click-type thiol-yne reactions. The well-defined (PDI < 1.2) hydrophobic-functional AB diblock polyphosphoester was synthesized by an ultrafast (<5 min) organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization in a two-step, one-pot manner with the quantitative conversions of two kinds of cyclic phospholane monomers. The whole programmable process starting from small molecules to nanoparticles could be completed within 6 h, as the most rapid approach for the anionic and nonionic nanoparticles, although the cationic and zwitterionic nanoparticles required ca. 2 days due to purification by dialysis. The micelles showed high biocompatibility, with even the cationic micelles exhibiting a 6-fold lower cytotoxicity toward RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells, as compared to the commercial transfection agent Lipofectamine.