Puri R., Berhe S., Akala E.
Howard University, US
Keywords: cancer, dispersion polymerization, drug delivery, pH responsive polymeric nanoparticles
In diseased conditions such as tumors, pH is slightly more acidic than in the blood. The endocytic pathway of cells begin near the physiological pH of 7.4, but it drops to a lower pH of 5.5 – 6.0 in endosomes and approaches pH 4.5 – 5 in lysosomes.Therefore, pH responsive systems can be exploited for targeted delivery of drugs to tumors. In the present study, we have used acetal linkages to form pH sensitive nanoparticles. METHODS: Synthesis of acid labile crosslinkers:Three different acid labile acetal crosslinkers were synthesized by reacting methacrylate monomer with corresponding benzaldehyde. Hydrolysis studies of the crosslinkers:Hydrolysis of the crosslinkers was studied at pH 7.4 and pH 5 after incubation of solutions at 37o C using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Synthesis of nanoparticles: Nanoparticles have been synthesized with acetal crosslinkers using dispersion polymerization technique. RESULTS: The formation of crosslinkers was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectroscopy.The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy for morphology, and by dynamic light scattering for size and zeta potential.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2013: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 420 - 421
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0586-2