1
|
Pal SK, Pani I, Nailwal Y, Dutta S. Tailoring Liquid Crystals as Vehicles for Encapsulation and Enzyme-Triggered Release. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3032-3038. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale assemblies of amphiphiles have been vividly explored in pharmaceutical formulations as drug nanocarriers. Aqueous interfaces of liquid crystals (LCs) are known to direct the self-assembly of a range of...
Collapse
|
2
|
Dong P, Stellmacher J, Bouchet LM, Nieke M, Kumar A, Osorio‐Blanco ER, Nagel G, Lohan SB, Teutloff C, Patzelt A, Schäfer‐Korting M, Calderón M, Meinke MC, Alexiev U. A Dual Fluorescence–Spin Label Probe for Visualization and Quantification of Target Molecules in Tissue by Multiplexed FLIM–EPR Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202012852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pin Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Pharmacy Berlin Germany
| | - Johannes Stellmacher
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Experimental Physics Department of Physics Berlin Germany
| | - Lydia M. Bouchet
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Berlin Germany
| | - Marius Nieke
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Experimental Physics Department of Physics Berlin Germany
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Institute of Biology Berlin Germany
| | - Amit Kumar
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Berlin Germany
| | | | - Gregor Nagel
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Berlin Germany
| | - Silke B. Lohan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Christian Teutloff
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Experimental Physics Department of Physics Berlin Germany
| | - Alexa Patzelt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | | | - Marcelo Calderón
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Berlin Germany
- POLYMAT Faculty of Chemistry University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science 48013 Bilbao Spain
| | - Martina C. Meinke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Ulrike Alexiev
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Experimental Physics Department of Physics Berlin Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dong P, Stellmacher J, Bouchet LM, Nieke M, Kumar A, Osorio‐Blanco ER, Nagel G, Lohan SB, Teutloff C, Patzelt A, Schäfer‐Korting M, Calderón M, Meinke MC, Alexiev U. A Dual Fluorescence-Spin Label Probe for Visualization and Quantification of Target Molecules in Tissue by Multiplexed FLIM-EPR Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:14938-14944. [PMID: 33544452 PMCID: PMC8251738 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202012852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous visualization and concentration quantification of molecules in biological tissue is an important though challenging goal. The advantages of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for visualization, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for quantification are complementary. Their combination in a multiplexed approach promises a successful but ambitious strategy because of spin label-mediated fluorescence quenching. Here, we solved this problem and present the molecular design of a dual label (DL) compound comprising a highly fluorescent dye together with an EPR spin probe, which also renders the fluorescence lifetime to be concentration sensitive. The DL can easily be coupled to the biomolecule of choice, enabling in vivo and in vitro applications. This novel approach paves the way for elegant studies ranging from fundamental biological investigations to preclinical drug research, as shown in proof-of-principle penetration experiments in human skin ex vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and AllergologyCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlincorporate member of Freie Universität BerlinHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of PharmacyBerlinGermany
| | - Johannes Stellmacher
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Experimental PhysicsDepartment of PhysicsBerlinGermany
| | - Lydia M. Bouchet
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Marius Nieke
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Experimental PhysicsDepartment of PhysicsBerlinGermany
- Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinInstitute of BiologyBerlinGermany
| | - Amit Kumar
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | | | - Gregor Nagel
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Silke B. Lohan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and AllergologyCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlincorporate member of Freie Universität BerlinHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Christian Teutloff
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Experimental PhysicsDepartment of PhysicsBerlinGermany
| | - Alexa Patzelt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and AllergologyCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlincorporate member of Freie Universität BerlinHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | | | - Marcelo Calderón
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryBerlinGermany
- POLYMATFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of the Basque CountryUPV/EHU20018Donostia-San SebastiánSpain
- IKERBASQUEBasque Foundation for Science48013BilbaoSpain
| | - Martina C. Meinke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and AllergologyCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlincorporate member of Freie Universität BerlinHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Ulrike Alexiev
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Experimental PhysicsDepartment of PhysicsBerlinGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu C, Zhang L, Zhou S, Zhang X, Wu W, Jiang X. A Dendron-Based Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for Tumor Detection. Chemistry 2020; 26:13022-13030. [PMID: 32914903 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Specifically amplifying the emission signals of optical probes in tumors is an effective way to improve the tumor-imaging sensitivity and contrast. In this paper, the first case of dendron-based fluorescence turn-on probes mediated by a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism is reported. Dendrons up to the fourth generation with a hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) scaffold are synthesized by a solid-phase synthesis strategy, and show precise and defect-free chemical structures. To construct the fluorescence turn-on probe, one Cy5.5 molecule is conjugated to the focal of a G3 dendron through a robust linkage and eight Black Hole Quencher 3 (BHQ-3) molecules are conjugated to its periphery through a PEG chain bearing a reductively cleavable disulfide linkage. By in vitro and in vivo experiments, it is demonstrated that the fluorescence of the dendron-based probe can be activated effectively and rapidly in the reductive environments of tumor cells and tissues, and the probe thus exhibits amplified tumor signals and weak normal tissue signals. Compared with the reported nanoscale turn-on probes, the dendron-based probe has several significant advantages, such as well-defined chemical structure, precisely controllable fluorophore/quencher conjugation sites and ratio, desirable chemical stability, and reproducible pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles, and is very promising in tumor detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changren Liu
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| | - Ling'e Zhang
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| | - Sensen Zhou
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| | - Xiqun Jiang
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nagel G, Sousa-Herves A, Wedepohl S, Calderón M. Matrix Metalloproteinase-sensitive Multistage Nanogels Promote Drug Transport in 3D Tumor Model. Theranostics 2020; 10:91-108. [PMID: 31903108 PMCID: PMC6929628 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological barriers inside of tumor tissue often result in poor interstitial penetration and heterogeneous intratumoral distribution of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS). Novel, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-sensitive peptide-crosslinked nanogels (pNGs) as multistage DDS are reported with a beneficial size reduction property to promote the process of deep tissue penetration. Methods: The presented pNGs are based on a dendritic polyglycerol (dPG) scaffold crosslinked by a modified MMP-sensitive fluorogenic peptide. The crosslinker integrates degradability in response to proteases present in the tumor microenvironment. Surfactant-free, inverse nanoprecipitation is employed to prepare the nanogels using strain-promoted click chemistry. The size and crosslinking density of the pNGs are controlled by the functionalization degree of dPG with cyclooctyne groups and by the peptide crosslinker fraction. The intrinsic reporter moiety of the crosslinker was used to study the influence of pNG compositions on the degradation profile. The therapeutic drug Doxorubicin was conjugated through a pH-sensitive linkage to dPG to form a multistage DDS. The penetration behavior of the pNGs was studied using agarose matrix and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS). Results: Nanogel sizes were controlled in the range of 150-650 nm with narrow size distributions and varying degrees of crosslinking. The pNGs showed stability in PBS and cell media but were readily degraded in the presence of MMP-7. The crosslinking density influenced the degradation kinetic mediated by MMP-7 or cells. Stable conjugation of DOX at physiological pH and controlled drug release at acidic pH were observed. The digestions of nanogels lead to a size reduction to polymer-drug fragments which efficiently penetrated into agarose gels. Moreover, the degradable multistage pNGs demonstrated deeper penetration into MCTS as compared to their non-degradable counterparts. Thus, degradable pNGs were able to deliver their cargo and efficiently reduce the cell viability in MCTS. Conclusion: The triggered size reduction of the pNGs by enzymatic degradation can facilitate the infiltration of the nanocarrier into dense tissue, and thereby promote the delivery of its cargo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Nagel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana Sousa-Herves
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Wedepohl
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- POLYMAT and Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen C, Ou H, Liu R, Ding D. Regulating the Photophysical Property of Organic/Polymer Optical Agents for Promoted Cancer Phototheranostics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1806331. [PMID: 30924971 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the Jablonski diagram, the photophysical properties of optical agents are highly associated with biomedical function and efficacy. Herein, the focus is on organic/polymer optical agents and the recent progress in the main strategies for regulating their photophysical properties to achieve superior cancer diagnosis/phototheranostics applications are highlighted. Both the approaches of nanoengineering and molecular design, which can lead to optimized effectiveness of required biomedical function, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hanlin Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ruihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Dan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nagel G, Tschiche HR, Wedepohl S, Calderón M. Modular approach for theranostic polymer conjugates with activatable fluorescence: Impact of linker design on the stimuli-induced release of doxorubicin. J Control Release 2018; 285:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
8
|
Jung S, Nagel G, Giulbudagian M, Calderón M, Patzelt A, Knorr F, Lademann J. Temperature-Enhanced Follicular Penetration of Thermoresponsive Nanogels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-2017-1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Hair follicles can serve as an effective reservoir for dermal drug delivery upon the topical application of particulate substances. Here, the follicular penetration of an indodicarbocyanine-labelled thermoresponsive nanogel (189 nm) having a cloud point temperature of 34°C and linked via an acid-labile linker to the model drug indocarbocyanine was investigated. In total, 227 hair follicles of porcine ear skin were examined after topical application of the thermoresponsive nanogels at room temperature (21°C), physiological skin surface temperature (32°C) and core body temperature (37°C) for the follicular penetration depths of indodicarbocyanine and indocarbocyanine using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed a significantly increased mean follicular penetration of the carrier to a depth of 298.8±85.8 μm after incubation at 37°C compared to samples incubated at 21°C and 32°C with mean follicular penetration depths of 202.7±81.7 μm and 219.4±52.9 μm, respectively (p<0.001). Possibly structural changes in the thermoresponsive nanogel induced by the increased incubation temperature led to an enhancement of follicular penetration. Therefore, thermoresponsive nanogels may be suitable for the temperature-enhanced penetration into the hair follicles under physiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sora Jung
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , and Berlin Institute of Health, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology , Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1 , 10117 Berlin , Germany
| | - Gregor Nagel
- Freie Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Michael Giulbudagian
- Freie Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- Freie Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Alexa Patzelt
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , and Berlin Institute of Health, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology , Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1 , 10117 Berlin , Germany
| | - Fanny Knorr
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , and Berlin Institute of Health, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology , Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1 , 10117 Berlin , Germany
| | - Jürgen Lademann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , and Berlin Institute of Health, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology , Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1 , 10117 Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
dos Santos Câmara AL, Nagel G, Tschiche HR, Cardador CM, Muehlmann LA, de Oliveira DM, Alvim PQ, Azevedo RB, Calderón M, Figueiró Longo JP. Acid-sensitive lipidated doxorubicin prodrug entrapped in nanoemulsion impairs lung tumor metastasis in a breast cancer model. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:1751-1765. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop an acid-sensitive lipidated, doxorubicin (Dox) prodrug (C16-Dox) to be entrapped in lipid nanoemulsion (NE-C16-Dox) as a nanocarrier to treat breast cancer models (in vitro and in vivo). Results: We report the efficacy of NE-C16-Dox in in vitro experiments, as well as the improved chemotherapeutic index and tumor-control efficacy compared with treatment with free Dox in an in vivo murine 4T1 breast cancer model. In addition, NE-C16-Dox allowed the use of a higher dose of Dox, acceptable biocompatibility and a significant reduction in lung metastasis. Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that NE-C16-Dox is promising for breast cancer treatment, thus creating possibilities to translate these nanotechnology concepts to clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lygia dos Santos Câmara
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Gregor Nagel
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Harald R Tschiche
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Camila Magalhães Cardador
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Luis Alexandre Muehlmann
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Daniela Mara de Oliveira
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Paula Queiroz Alvim
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - João Paulo Figueiró Longo
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baabur-Cohen H, Vossen LI, Krüger HR, Eldar-boock A, Yeini E, Landa-Rouben N, Tiram G, Wedepohl S, Markovsky E, Leor J, Calderón M, Satchi-Fainaro R. In vivo comparative study of distinct polymeric architectures bearing a combination of paclitaxel and doxorubicin at a synergistic ratio. J Control Release 2017; 257:118-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
11
|
Khuphe M, Mukonoweshuro B, Kazlauciunas A, Thornton PD. A vegetable oil-based organogel for use in pH-mediated drug delivery. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:9160-9167. [PMID: 26414286 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02176f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Organogels prepared with vegetable oils as the liquid organic phase present an excellent platform for the controlled delivery of hydrophobic guest molecules. We disclose a graft copolymer comprised of a poly(L-serine) backbone linked to alkane side-chains by hydrolytically susceptible ester bonds, that is capable of gelating edible safflower oil. The thermoresponsive organogel formed, which is non-cytotoxic, is capable of withholding guest molecules before undergoing targeted disassembly upon incubation in solutions of acidic pH, permitting the directed release of payload molecules. The presented material offers an extremely promising candidate for the controlled delivery of hydrophobic agents within acidic environments, such as cancer tumour sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mthulisi Khuphe
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Blessing Mukonoweshuro
- Institute of Medical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Paul D Thornton
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|