Abstract
A new type of pH-responsive block copolymer nanoparticle has been synthesized and characterized. The amphiphilic diblock copolymer, PEG-b-PMYM, contains acid-labile ortho ester side-chains in the hydrophobic block and can self-assemble into micelle-like nanoparticles in water at neutral pH. Hydrolysis of the ortho ester side-chains follows a distinct exocyclic mechanism and shows pH-dependent kinetics, which triggers changes in nanoparticle size and morphology. The nanoparticles have been found to be non-toxic to cells in vitro. The ability to tune the size and morphology of bio-compatible block copolymer nanoparticles by controlling the pH-sensitive side-chain hydrolysis represents a unique approach that may be exploited to improve the efficacy of nanometer-scale drug delivery. (Chemical Equation Presented)
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 192-201 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Macromolecular Bioscience |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 11 2010 |
Keywords
- Block copolymers
- Drug delivery
- Nanoparticles
- Ortho ester
- pH responsive