Grimaldi N.
università degli studi di palermo, IT
Keywords: disulphide linkage, doxorubicin, e-beam radiation, nanogels
A new family of water-borne, biocompatible and carboxyl-functionalized nanogels (NGs) was developed for glutathione-mediated delivery of anticancer drugs. Nanogels were generated by e-beam irradiation of aqueous solutions of a crosslinkable polymer. Molecular structure and topology of the generated nanoparticles, as well as their mutual interaction in water were investigated through a combination of spectroscopic (FTIR, XPS, NMR) and laser light scattering techniques (SLS, DLS). In vitro cell studies proved that the nanogels are fully biocompatible and able to quantitatively bypass cellular membrane. Furthermore, a model hydrophobic anticancer drug, DOX, was linked to the carboxyl groups of NGs through a spacer containing a disulphide cleavable linkage. In vitro release studies showed that glutathione is able to trigger the release of DOX. We can conclude that the combination of a single-step, robust and economically viable manufacturing process with the favorable properties of the produced nanogels makes these nanoparticles very interesting candidates as smart nanocarriers of drugs at specific tumor sites.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2013: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 155 - 158
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0586-2