1
|
Christopoulou A, Kazamiakis C, Iatridi Z, Bokias G. Controlled Amphiphilicity and Thermo-Responsiveness of Functional Copolymers Based on Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylates. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1456. [PMID: 38891403 PMCID: PMC11174388 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, comb homopolymers as well as comb-type copolymers of thermo-responsive oligo(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)s, OEGMAs, with various chain lengths (DEGMA, PEGMA500, and PEGMA950 containing 2, 9, or 19 repeating ethylene glycol units, respectively) were synthesized through free radical (co)polymerization. For the copolymers, either the functional hydrophobic glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) or the inert hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM) were selected as comonomers. The self-assembly and thermo-responsive behavior of the products was investigated through Nile Red fluorescence probing, turbidimetry, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Interestingly, it was found that all OEGMA-based homopolymers exhibit a tendency to self-organize in aqueous media, in addition to thermo-responsiveness. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) increases with the number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the OEGMA macromonomers (CAC was found to be 0.003, 0.01, and 0.03% w/v for the homopolymers PDEGMA, PPEGMA500, and PPEGMA950, respectively). Moreover, the CAC of the copolymers in aqueous media is highly affected by the incorporation of hydrophobic GMA or hydrophilic DMAM units, leading to lower or higher values, respectively. Thus, the CAC decreases down to 0.003% w/v for the GMA-richest copolymer of PEGMA950, whereas CAC increases up to 0.01% w/v for the DMAM-richest copolymer of DEGMA. Turbidimetry and DLS studies proved that the thermo-sensitivity of the polymers is governed by several parameters such as the number of repeating ethylene glycol groups in the side chains of the OEGMAs, the molar percentage of the hydrophobic or hydrophilic comonomers, along with the addition of salts in the aqueous polymer solutions. Thus, the cloud point of the homopolymer PDEGMA was found at 23 °C and it increases to 33.5 °C for the DMAM-richest copolymer of DEGMA. Lastly, the formation of a hydrogel upon heating aqueous mixtures of the GMA-comprising copolymers with silica nanoparticles overnight is strong evidence of the functional character of these polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Christopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.C.); (C.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Charalampos Kazamiakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.C.); (C.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Zacharoula Iatridi
- Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Bokias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.C.); (C.K.); (G.B.)
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Chemical Engineering and High Temperature Chemical Processes, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Negut I, Bita B. Polymersomes as Innovative, Stimuli-Responsive Platforms for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:463. [PMID: 38675124 PMCID: PMC11053450 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the urgent need for more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments by exploring the potential of multi-responsive polymersomes. These advanced nanocarriers are engineered to deliver drugs precisely to tumor sites by responding to specific stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, hypoxia, and redox conditions, thereby minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. We discuss the design, synthesis, and recent applications of polymersomes, emphasizing their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes through controlled drug release and targeted delivery. Moreover, we highlight the critical areas for future research, including the optimization of polymersome-biological interactions and biocompatibility, to facilitate their clinical adoption. Multi-responsive polymersomes emerge as a promising development in nanomedicine, offering a pathway to safer and more effective cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xue H, Ju Y, Ye X, Dai M, Tang C, Liu L. Construction of intelligent drug delivery system based on polysaccharide-derived polymer micelles: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:128048. [PMID: 37967605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Micelles are nanostructures developed via the spontaneous assembly of amphiphilic polymers in aqueous systems, which possess the advantages of high drug stability or active-ingredient solubilization, targeted transport, controlled release, high bioactivity, and stability. Polysaccharides have excellent water solubility, biocompatibility, and degradability, and can be modified to achieve a hydrophobic core to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, improve drug biocompatibility, and achieve regulated delivery of the loaded drug. Micelles drug delivery systems based on polysaccharides and their derivatives show great potential in the biomedical field. This review discusses the principles of self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers and the formation of micelles; the preparation of amphiphilic polysaccharides is described in detail, and an overview of common polysaccharides and their modifications is provided. We focus on the review of strategies for encapsulating drugs in polysaccharide-derived polymer micelles (PDPMs) and building intelligent drug delivery systems. This review provides new research directions that will help promote future research and development of PDPMs in the field of drug carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaqian Xue
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China; School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Yikun Ju
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China; The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Xiuzhi Ye
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Minghai Dai
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Chengxuan Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China.
| | - Liangle Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325200, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balafouti A, Forys A, Trzebicka B, Gerardos AM, Pispas S. Anionic Hyperbranched Amphiphilic Polyelectrolytes as Nanocarriers for Antimicrobial Proteins and Peptides. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7702. [PMID: 38138846 PMCID: PMC10745097 DOI: 10.3390/ma16247702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript presents the synthesis of hyperbranched amphiphilic poly (lauryl methacrylate-co-tert-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid), H-P(LMA-co-tBMA-co-MAA) copolymers via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of tBMA and LMA, and their post-polymerization modification to anionic amphiphilic polyelectrolytes. The focus is on investigating whether the combination of the hydrophobic characters of LMA and tBMA segments, as well as the polyelectrolyte and hydrophilic properties of MAA segments, both distributed within a unique hyperbranched polymer chain topology, would result in intriguing, branched copolymers with the potential to be applied in nanomedicine. Therefore, we studied the self-assembly behavior of these copolymers in aqueous media, as well as their ability to form complexes with cationic proteins, namely lysozyme (LYZ) and polymyxin (PMX). Various physicochemical characterization techniques, including size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), verified the molecular characteristics of these well-defined copolymers, whereas light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques revealed promising nanoparticle (NP) self- and co-assembly properties of the copolymers in aqueous media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Balafouti
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.B.); (A.M.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Aleksander Forys
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland; (A.F.); (B.T.)
| | - Barbara Trzebicka
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland; (A.F.); (B.T.)
| | - Angelica Maria Gerardos
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.B.); (A.M.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.B.); (A.M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blázquez-Martín A, Ruiz-Bardillo A, Verde-Sesto E, Iturrospe A, Arbe A, Pomposo JA. Toward Long-Term-Dispersible, Metal-Free Single-Chain Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1394. [PMID: 37110979 PMCID: PMC10143805 DOI: 10.3390/nano13081394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We report herein on a new platform for synthesizing stable, inert, and dispersible metal-free single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) via intramolecular metal-traceless azide-alkyne click chemistry. It is well known that SCNPs synthesized via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) often experience metal-induced aggregation issues during storage. Moreover, the presence of metal traces limits its use in a number of potential applications. To address these problems, we selected a bifunctional cross-linker molecule, sym-dibenzo-1,5-cyclooctadiene-3,7-diyne (DIBOD). DIBOD has two highly strained alkyne bonds that allow for the synthesis of metal-free SCNPs. We demonstrate the utility of this new approach by synthesizing metal-free polystyrene (PS)-SCNPs without significant aggregation issues during storage, as demonstrated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. Notably, this method paves the way for the synthesis of long-term-dispersible, metal-free SCNPs from potentially any polymer precursor decorated with azide functional groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Blázquez-Martín
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
| | - Ainara Ruiz-Bardillo
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
| | - Ester Verde-Sesto
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
- IKERBASQUE-Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Amaia Iturrospe
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
| | - Arantxa Arbe
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
| | - José A. Pomposo
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU)-Materials Physics Center (MPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (A.A.)
- IKERBASQUE-Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Balafouti A, Pispas S. Hyperbranched Copolymers of Methacrylic Acid and Lauryl Methacrylate H-P(MAA-co-LMA): Synthetic Aspects and Interactions with Biorelevant Compounds. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041198. [PMID: 37111683 PMCID: PMC10140914 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of novel copolymers using one-step reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of biocompatible methacrylic acid (MAA), lauryl methacrylate (LMA), and difunctional ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a branching agent is reported. The obtained amphiphilic hyperbranched H-P(MAA-co-LMA) copolymers are molecularly characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), FTIR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and subsequently investigated in terms of their self-assembly behavior in aqueous media. The formation of nanoaggregates of varying size, mass, and homogeneity, depending on the copolymer composition and solution conditions such as concentration or pH variation, is demonstrated by light scattering and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, drug encapsulation properties are studied by incorporating the low bioavailability drug, curcumin, in the nano-aggregate hydrophobic domains, which can also act as a bioimaging agent. The interaction of polyelectrolyte MAA units with model proteins is described to examine protein complexation capacity relevant to enzyme immobilization strategies, as well as explore copolymer self-assembly in simulated physiological media. The results confirm that these copolymer nanosystems could provide competent biocarriers for imaging and drug or protein delivery/enzyme immobilization applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Balafouti
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Espinola-Portilla F, d'Orlyé F, Trapiella-Alfonso L, Gutiérrez-Granados S, Ramírez-García G, Varenne A. Rational Understanding of Loading and Release of Doxorubicin by UV-Light- and pH-Responsive Poly(NIPAM- co-SPMA) Micelle-like Aggregates. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1490-1499. [PMID: 36490379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A deep understanding of the interactions between micelle-like aggregates and antineoplastic drugs is paramount to control their adequate delivery. Herein, Poly(NIPAM-co-SPMA) copolymer nanocarriers were synthesized according to our previous published methodology, and the loading and release of poorly and highly water-soluble doxorubicin forms (Dox and Dox-HCl, respectively) were evaluated upon UV light irradiation and pH-variation stimuli. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to a fluorescence detector (LIF) allowed us to specifically characterize these systems and deeply study the loading and release processes. For this purpose, varying concentrations of doxorubicin were tested, and the loading/release rates were indirectly quantified thanks to the "free" doxorubicin concentration in solution. This study highlighted that Dox loading (9.4 μg/mg) was more effective than Dox-HCl loading (5.5 μg/mg). In contrast, 68 and 74% of Dox-HCl were respectively released after 2 min upon pH variation (from 7.4 to 6.0) and combined UV + pH 6.0 stimuli, while only 27% of Dox was invariably released upon application of the same stimuli. These results are coherent with the characteristics of both DoxHCl and Dox: Electrostatic interactions between Dox-HCl and the micelle-membrane structure (NIPAM) seemed predominant, while hydrophobic interactions were expected between Dox and the SP moieties at the inner part of the micelle-like aggregate, leading to different behaviors in both loading and release of the two doxorubicin forms. For doxorubicin loading concentrations higher than 3 μM, the electrophoretic profiles presented an additional peak. Thanks to CE characterizations, this peak was attributed to the formation of a complex formed between the nonaggregated copolymer and the doxorubicin molecules. This report therefore undergoes deep characterization of the dynamic formation of different micelle/drug complexes involved in the global drug-delivery behavior and therefore contributes to the development of more effective stimuli-responsive nanocarriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Espinola-Portilla
- Chimie ParisTech PSL, CNRS 8060, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health (i-CLeHS), Paris 75005, France.,Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, México.,Biofunctional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, México
| | - Fanny d'Orlyé
- Chimie ParisTech PSL, CNRS 8060, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health (i-CLeHS), Paris 75005, France
| | - Laura Trapiella-Alfonso
- Chimie ParisTech PSL, CNRS 8060, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health (i-CLeHS), Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Gonzalo Ramírez-García
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, México
| | - Anne Varenne
- Chimie ParisTech PSL, CNRS 8060, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health (i-CLeHS), Paris 75005, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ntente C, Iatridi Z, Theodoropoulou M, Bokias G, Tsakiroglou C. Anionic amphiphilic copolymers as potential agents for enhanced oil recovery. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2023.105521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
9
|
Jin T, Coley CW, Alexander-Katz A. Adsorption of Biomimetic Amphiphilic Heteropolymers onto Graphene and Its Derivatives. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Jin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Connor W. Coley
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alfredo Alexander-Katz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma Z, An R, Chen M, Wang X, Zhu M. Random versus Block Glycopolymers Bearing Betulin and Porphyrin for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:5074-5083. [PMID: 36350056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Porphyrins and their derivatives, representing the second-generation photosensitizers, can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and kill tumors upon light irradiation. To compensate for the fluorescence quenching and reduced ROS production caused by aggregation and rigid inherent hydrophobicity of porphyrins, a series of comparable random and block glycopolymers bearing betulin and porphyrin were prepared via RAFT polymerization. Betulin was introduced into the copolymers to decrease aggregation-induced quenching of porphyrins and to improve the photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency of copolymers. The characteristics, self-assembly, and photophysical chemistry properties of these copolymers were systemically studied. The effect of polymer structure on photophysical chemistry properties and cellular interaction was investigated as well to demonstrate their potential targeting for PDT applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, China
| | - Ran An
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, China
| | - Man Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, China
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shin M, Kim H, Park G, Park J, Ahn H, Yoon DK, Lee E, Seo M. Bilayer-folded lamellar mesophase induced by random polymer sequence. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2433. [PMID: 35508536 PMCID: PMC9068626 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30122-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomness is perceived in two different extremes, in macroscopic homogeneity and local heterogeneity, but apparently far away from order. Here we show that a periodic order spontaneously arises from a binary random copolymer when self-assembly occurs in an ensemble containing > 1015 possible chain sequences. A Bernoullian distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains grafted onto a linear backbone was constructed by random copolymerization. When the polymer chains associate in water, a sequence matching problem occurs because of the drastic heterogeneity in sequence: this is believed to generate local curvature mismatches which deviate from the ensemble-averaged interfacial curvature. Periodic folding of the self-assembled bilayer stabilizes the curvature instability as recurring hinges. Reminiscent of chain-folded lamellae found in polymer crystallization, this new liquid crystalline mesophase, characterized as bilayer-folded lamellae, manifests itself as an anisotropically alignable birefringent hydrogel with structural hierarchy across multiple length scales. Randomness is perceived in two different extremes, in macroscopic homogeneity and local heterogeneity, but apparently far away from order. Here, the authors show that a periodic order can spontaneously arise from an ensemble of binary random copolymer sequences to induce recurrent folding of a self-assembled bilayer structure in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjoong Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeon Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhyeong Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungju Ahn
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ki Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,KAIST Institute for the Nanocentury, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungeun Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,KAIST Institute for the Nanocentury, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu XY, Li D, Li TY, Wu YL, Piao JS, Piao MG. Vitamin A - modified Betulin polymer micelles with hepatic targeting capability for hepatic fibrosis protection. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 174:106189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
13
|
Balafouti A, Pispas S. P(
OEGMA‐co‐LMA
) hyperbranched amphiphilic copolymers as self‐assembled nanocarriers. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Balafouti
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Calosi M, Guazzelli E, Braccini S, Lessi M, Bellina F, Galli G, Martinelli E. Self-Assembled Amphiphilic Fluorinated Random Copolymers for the Encapsulation and Release of the Hydrophobic Combretastatin A-4 Drug. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14040774. [PMID: 35215686 PMCID: PMC8880340 DOI: 10.3390/polym14040774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Water-soluble amphiphilic random copolymers composed of tri(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (TEGMA) or poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and perfluorohexylethyl acrylate (FA) were synthesized by ARGET-ATRP, and their self-assembling and thermoresponsive behavior in water was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The copolymer ability to self-fold in single-chain nano-sized structures (unimer micelles) in aqueous solutions was exploited to encapsulate Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), which is a very hydrophobic anticancer drug. The cloud point temperature (Tcp) was found to linearly decrease with increasing drug concentration in the drug/copolymer system. Moreover, while CA-4 was preferentially incorporated into the unimer micelles of TEGMA-ran-FA, the drug was found to induce multi-chain, submicro-sized aggregation of PEGMA-ran-FA. Anyway, the encapsulation efficiency was very high (≥81%) for both copolymers. The drug release was evaluated in PBS aqueous solutions both below and above Tcp for TEGMA-ran-FA copolymer and below Tcp, but at two different drug loadings, for PEGMA-ran-FA copolymer. In any case, the release kinetics presented similar profiles, characterized by linear trends up to ≈10–13 h and ≈7 h for TEGMA-ran-FA and PEGMA-ran-FA, respectively. Then, the release rate decreased, reaching a plateau. The release from TEGMA-ran-FA was moderately faster above Tcp than below Tcp, suggesting that copolymer thermoresponsiveness increased the release rate, which occurred anyway by diffusion below Tcp. Cytotoxicity tests were carried out on copolymer solutions in a wide concentration range (5–60 mg/mL) at 37 °C by using Balb/3T3 clone A31 cells. Interestingly, it was found that the concentration-dependent micro-sized aggregation of the amphiphilic random copolymers above Tcp caused a sort of “cellular asphyxiation” with a loss of cell viability clearly visible for TEGMA-ran-FA solutions (Tcp below 37 °C) with higher copolymer concentrations. On the other hand, cells in contact with the analogous PEGMA-ran-FA (Tcp above 37 °C) presented a very good viability (≥75%) with respect to the control at any given concentration.
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Sakamoto Y, Nishimura T. Recent advances in the self-assembly of sparsely grafted amphiphilic copolymers in aqueous solution. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py01018f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the self-assembly of sparsely grafted amphiphilic copolymers and highlights the effects of structural factors and solvents on their self-assembly behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nishimura
- Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hibino M, Tanaka K, Ouchi M, Terashima T. Amphiphilic Random-Block Copolymer Micelles in Water: Precise and Dynamic Self-Assembly Controlled by Random Copolymer Association. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Hibino
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kei Tanaka
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Makoto Ouchi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Takaya Terashima
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guazzelli E, Masotti E, Calosi M, Kriechbaum M, Uhlig F, Galli G, Martinelli E. Single-chain folding and self-assembling of amphiphilic polyethyleneglycol-modified fluorinated styrene homopolymers in water solution. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.124107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
19
|
Roos AH, Hoffmann JF, Binder WH, Hinderberger D. Nanoscale structure and dynamics of thermoresponsive single-chain nanoparticles investigated by EPR spectroscopy. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:7032-7037. [PMID: 34251013 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00582k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We characterize temperature-dependent macroscopic and nanoscopic phase transitions and nanoscopic pre-transitions of water-soluble single chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). The studied SCNPs are based on polymers displaying lower-critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior and show nanoscale compartmentation. SCNPs are amenable to continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR) spectroscopy to study how amphiphilic, non-covalently added nitroxide spin probes or covalently attached spin labels sample their environment concerning nanoscale structures (polarity, hydrophilicity/-phobicity) and dynamics. These SCNPs are formed through single-chain collapse and have been shown to have nanosized compartments that are rigidified during the crosslinking process. We analyze the temperature-dependent phase transitions of spin-labeled SCNPs by rigorous spectral simulations of a series of multicomponent EPR-spectra that derive from the nanoinhomogeneities (1) that are due to the single-chain compartmentation in SCNPs and (2) the transformation upon temperature change due to the LCST behavior. These transitions of the SCNPs and their respective polymer precursors can be monitored and understood on the nanoscale by following EPR-spectroscopic parameters like hyperfine couplings that depend on the surrounding solvent molecules or Heisenberg spin exchange between small molecule spin probes or covalently attached spin labels in the nanocompartments. In particular, for one SCNP, we find an interesting behavior that we ascribe to the properties of the nanosized inner core with continuous effects before and jump-like changes after the macroscopic thermal collapse, indicating highly efficient desolvation and compaction upon an increase in temperature and aggregation of individual nanoparticles above the collapse temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Roos
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Justus F Hoffmann
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Wolfgang H Binder
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Watanabe K, Kaizawa N, Ree BJ, Yamamoto T, Tajima K, Isono T, Satoh T. One‐Shot Intrablock Cross‐Linking of Linear Diblock Copolymer to Realize Janus‐Shaped Single‐Chain Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202103969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Watanabe
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Noya Kaizawa
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Brian J. Ree
- Faculty of Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Faculty of Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Kenji Tajima
- Faculty of Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Faculty of Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Faculty of Engineering Hokkaido University Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Watanabe K, Kaizawa N, Ree BJ, Yamamoto T, Tajima K, Isono T, Satoh T. One-Shot Intrablock Cross-Linking of Linear Diblock Copolymer to Realize Janus-Shaped Single-Chain Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18122-18128. [PMID: 34041829 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Developing an efficient and versatile process to transform a single linear polymer chain into a shape-defined nanoobject is a major challenge in the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology to replicate sophisticated biological functions of proteins and nucleic acids in a synthetic polymer system. In this study, we performed one-shot intrablock cross-linking of linear block copolymers (BCPs) to realize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with two chemically compartmentalized domains (Janus-shaped SCNPs). Detailed structural characterizations of the Janus-shaped SCNP composed of polystyrene-block-poly(glycolic acid) revealed its compactly folded conformation and compartmentalized block localization, similar to the self-folded tertiary structures of natural proteins. Versatility of the one-shot intrablock cross-linking was demonstrated using several different BCP precursors. In addition, the Janus-shaped SCNP produce miniscule microphase-separated structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Watanabe
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Noya Kaizawa
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Brian J Ree
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Kenji Tajima
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kimura Y, Imai S, Takenaka M, Terashima T. Amphiphilic Random Cyclocopolymers as Versatile Scaffolds for Ring-Functionalized and Self-Assembled Materials. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Kimura
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Sahori Imai
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Mikihito Takenaka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
- RIKEN Spring-8 Center, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148 Japan
| | - Takaya Terashima
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Alqarni MAM, Waldron C, Yilmaz G, Becer CR. Synthetic Routes to Single Chain Polymer Nanoparticles (SCNPs): Current Status and Perspectives. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100035. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gokhan Yilmaz
- Department of Chemistry University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| | - C. Remzi Becer
- Department of Chemistry University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen R, Berda EB. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Re-examining Single-Chain Nanoparticles. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1836-1843. [PMID: 35653673 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) are a class of polymeric nanoparticles obtained from the intramolecular cross-linking of polymers bearing reactive pendant groups. The development of SCNP has drawn tremendous attention since the fabrication of SCNP mimics the self-folding behavior in natural biomacromolecules and is highly desirable for a variety of applications ranging from catalysis, nanomedicine, nanoreactors, and sensors. The versatility of novel chemistries available for SCNP synthesis has greatly expanded over the past decade. Significant progress was also made in the understanding of a structure-property relationship in the single-chain folding process. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the effect of precursor polymer topology on single polymer folding. We summarize the progress in SCNP of complex architectures and highlight unresolved issues in the field, such as scalability and topological purity of SCNP.
Collapse
|
25
|
Synthesis and self-assembly of optically active random copolymers bearing L-alanine and L-glutamic acid moieties in aqueous medium. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2020.104778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|