Fomina N., McFearin C., Sermsakdi M., Morachis J., Almutairi A.
University of California at San Diego, US
Keywords: chemical amplification, dendrimer, NIR light degradable, NIR light responsive, polymer, self-immolative, two-photon
We employ near infrared (NIR) light as an external trigger for controlled material degradation and targeted release of a payload. NIR light can penetrate through tissues to an appreciable depth without scattering or damaging it. Thus, it may be used for targeted delivery of therapeutics and/or imaging agents in vivo. It has been generally difficult to apply NIR light in vivo due to the limited number of photons that can reach a material to initiate a measurable response. We designed amplified response systems – polymers and dendrimers – to overcome this limitation. Their design is based on self-immolative molecular units that undergo a cascade of rearrangements leading to cleavage of multiple bonds and unraveling of the entire material in response to NIR light.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2012: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 170 - 173
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials for Drug & Gene Delivery
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6276-9