Hollow poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐poly(acrylic acid) microgels with high loading capacity for drugs

A convenient approach has been developed for the preparation of microsize hydrogels composed of crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm). First, semi‐interpenetration polymer networks of hydropropylcellulose (HPC) and PNIPAm‐co‐PAA copolymer are formed through the copolymerization and crosslinking of monomer acrylic acid and N‐isopropylacrylamide in HPC aqueous solution. After the selective removal of HPC from networks due to ionization of PAA units and disruption of hydrogen bonding with increasing pH, PNIPAm‐co‐PAA microgels are obtained, whose volume is confirmed to be responsive to both temperature and pH. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) can be encapsulated in PNIPAm‐co‐PAA microgels with high drug loading driven by the electrostatic interaction, and a sustained‐release characteristic of Dox from the microgels is observed under physiological pH value and temperature. In vitro cell experiments, the drug‐loaded microgels can be taken up by LoVo cells and release their payload in cell cytoplasm without loss of drug efficacy. This indicates that PNIPAm‐co‐PAA microgels might be a potential drug delivery carriers especially for water‐soluble or polypeptide drugs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Alternative procedure for the incorporation of quantum dots into poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microgels based on multiple interactions

Monodisperse fluorescent poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microgels doped with quantum dots (QDs) were fabricated as follows. First, cysteamine‐capped cadmium telluride (CA–CdTe) QDs were introduced into the microgels at pH 7 by electrostatic interactions. Afterward, the CA–CdTe QDs were further immobilized in the microgels by the collapse of the polymer network when the pH of solution was adjusted to 4. In this system, there existed multiple interactions between the CA–CdTe QDs and the microgels, including hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and coordination bonds. The photoluminescence intensity and maximum emission wavelength of the resulting microgels could be easily adjusted by changes in the content of the CA–CdTe QDs in the hybrid microgels (HMs) and with differently sized QDs, respectively. We found that the lower the addition of CA–CdTe QDs was, the bigger the blueshift of the photoluminescence spectra of the HMs was and the weaker the photoluminescence intensity was. Finally, temperature‐responsive emission of the HMs was examined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43227.     

基于纤维素模板的聚合物空心微球作为药物载体的性能研究及分析

以羟丙基纤维素为模板材料,分别采用不同的聚合方法制备了2种不同形态和结构的聚合物空心微球--聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺-co-聚丙烯酸(PNIPAm-co-PAA)微凝胶和聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺-聚丙烯酸(PNIPAm-PAA)水凝胶微囊。以盐酸阿霉素(Dox)作为模型药物,考察了聚合物空心微球作为药物载体的载药能力和体外释放性能。研究表明,PNIPAm-co-PAA微凝胶、PNIPAm-PAA水凝胶微囊和Dox分子能够通过正负电荷的相互吸引实现有效结合;载药微球具有良好的缓释性能,并对Dox的释放表现出明显的pH值敏感性和温度敏感性。体外细胞毒性实验表明,载药PNIPAm-co-PAA微凝胶、PNIPAm-PAA水凝胶微囊具有很高的抗肿瘤活性,细胞相对存活率均可达20%左右。PNIPAm-co-PAA微凝胶、PNIPAm-PAA水凝胶微囊在作为水溶性药物或蛋白类药物载体方面,具有潜在的应用价值,同时有望应用于木材胶黏剂防腐等。     

Intracellular pH‐sensitive dextran‐based micelles as efficient drug delivery platforms

As drug delivery systems, stimuli‐responsive polymer micelles hold great potential in cancer chemotherapeutics to improve therapeutic efficiency and eliminate organism adverse effects. Here, pH‐sensitive polymeric micelles based on dextran‐g‐benzimidazole were designed and used for intracellular anticancer drug delivery. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was effectively loaded into the micelles via hydrophobic interactions. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the release of loaded DOX was greater and faster under acid conditions such as in carcinomatous areas (pH < 6.8) than in physiological conditions (pH 7.4). MTT assays and flow cytometric analyses showed that DOX‐loaded micelles had higher cellular proliferation inhibition towards HeLa and HepG2 cells than pH‐insensitive controls. These pH‐sensitive micelles with significant efficiency for intracellular drug release will be beneficial to the future of in vivo biomedical applications. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Properties of pH‐dependent tertiary amine‐based gels as potential drug delivery matrices

The rheological and morphological properties and in vitro theophylline release of tertiary amine‐based microgels were evaluated. The testing of such a formulation through in vitro diffusion experiments revealed that the release of theophylline from the microgels was pH‐dependent and differs significantly with respect to a nonresponsive gel like scleroglucan (Scl). The microgels were obtained from 2‐(diethyl amino) ethylmethacrylate (DEA) in the presence of a bifunctional crosslinker at pH 8–9. As the resulting microgels are pH‐responsive and an increase in viscosity from high to low pH range is exhibited, the in vitro release of theophylline as model drug was studied at different pHs of both the matrix and the receptor medium. The release behaviors of PDEA‐based microgels were compared to nonresponsive natural gel Scl, studied previously. For microgels, diverse release patterns were found at different acidity conditions. This observation seems to be related to complex diffusion phenomena and the different gel structure obtained for samples prepared at dissimilar pH. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 4035–4040, 2007     

Thermo‐ and pH‐responsive microgels for controlled release of insulin

Microgel particles were prepared, made of hydroxypropylcellulose‐graft‐(acrylic acid) (HPC‐g‐AA) and acrylic acid(AA). The particles undergo reversible volume phase transitions in response to both pH and temperature changes while keeping the inherent properties of PAA and HPC‐g‐AA. Dynamic light scattering measurements reveal that the average hydrodynamic radius and hydrodynamic radius distributions of the microgel particles depend on temperature and pH. The microgels exhibit excellent pH sensitivity and a higher swelling ratio at higher pH in aqueous solution. In vitro release study shows that the amount of insulin released from the microgels is less at pH = 1.2 than at pH = 6.8. The results indicate that the resultant microgels seem to be of great potential for intelligent oral drug delivery. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

pH‐responsive poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐poly(glutamic acid) polymersome as an efficient doxorubicin carrier for cancer therapy

The synthesis, characterization and potential application in the doxorubicin (Dox) delivery system of a biodegradable polypeptide‐based block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀‐poly(?‐caprolactone)₆₀₀₀‐poly(glutamic acid)₁₀₀₀ (PEG₂₀₀₀‐PCL₆₀₀₀‐PGA₁₀₀₀), was investigated. The copolymer was synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization and characterized by ¹H NMR and Fourier transform IR. The synthesized copolymer could self‐assemble into aggregates and the critical aggregation concentration was 0.23 mg mL^?1. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that spherical polymersomes formed with a desirable size about 180 nm. Therefore Dox was encapsulated into these polymersomes, and then we investigated its applications in a drug delivery system. These Dox‐loaded polymersomes (PolyDox) were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and pH responsiveness measurements. In vitro drug release indicated that the release rate of drug from PolyDox was pH‐responsive and significantly decreased. The drug pharmacokinetic parameters were improved in comparison to the group treated with free Dox, which proved the prolonged Dox release from PolyDox. A WST‐1 assay indicated a low toxicity and good compatibility of copolymer to cells within 48 h. The results also showed that PolyDox appeared to induce a higher anti‐tumor effect. Cell uptake results indicated that PolyDox displayed higher cellular uptake in A549 cells. Endocytosis inhibition results demonstrated that the internalization of PolyDox was mostly mediated by the fluid‐phase endocytosis pathway. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

PMMA‐based microgels for controlled release of an anticancer drug

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomaleate (MPEG), and acrylamidoglycolic acid (AGA) terpolymeric microgels (MGs) have been synthesized by free‐radical surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization. MPEG was synthesized from maleic anhydride and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol). The MGs were crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and the chemical crosslinking was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU), a model anticancer drug, has been loaded into the MGs by in situ and adsorption methods. Empty as well as drug‐loaded MGs were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). DSC and XRD studies indicated a molecular level dispersion of the drug in PMMA MGs during in situ loading. TEM images showed the formation of spherical MGs. In vitro release of 5‐FU from the crosslinked poly(MMA‐co‐AGA‐co‐MPEG) MGs were investigated at both pH 7.4 and 1.2 buffer medium that controlled release of the drug up to ～ 18 h. Both the encapsulation efficiency and the release patterns were dependent on the amount of crosslinking agent and the amount of drug loaded. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Multifunctional hybrid magnetite nanoparticles with pH‐responsivity,superparamagnetism and fluorescence

Multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles, Fe₃O₄@poly[(2‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐block‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐graft‐carbazole, with pH‐responsivity, superparamagnetism and fluorescence for targeted drug delivery and release have been synthesized. The nanoparticles have a core‐shell structure as determined from transmission electron microscopy, pH‐responsivity as determined from hydrodynamic radius analysis, superparamagnetism as determined from vibrating sample magnetometry and fluorescence as determined from fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The release behavior of model drug progesterone indicates that the release rate can be effectively controlled by altering the pH of the environment. The multifunctional nanoparticles could be applied extensively in targeted drug delivery and release, and with fluorescence they can serve as efficient tracers to record magnetic targeting routes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation,characterization and drug release behavior of poly(acrylic acid–co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) microgels

In this paper, Poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2–methyl-1–propanesulfonic acid (AAc-HEMA-AMPS) microgels were synthesized by using an inverse suspension polymerization technique. The increase in the AMPS content of the microgels composition caused a large increase in water uptake. The morphology of the microgels was examined by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The AMPS containing microgels had a mean particle diameter of 10 μm. The glass transition temperature of the microgels were examined by DSC and found that they show single Tg. Lidocaine (LD) and Methylene blue (MB) were used as model drugs for the investigation of drug release behavior of the microgels. Different drug release patterns were observed, for LD and MB loaded microgels. The release studies showed that some of the basic parameters affecting the drug release behavior of microgels were the specific and non-specific interactions between microgel and drug structure and pH of the dissolution medium. These hydrogels may be potential candidates for pH-sensitive applications.     

Preparation and characteristics of pH‐sensitive derivated dextran hydrogel nanoparticles

An optimized procedure was used to prepare erythromycin (EM)‐loaded pH‐sensitive glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex‐GMA)/acrylic acid (AAc) nanoparticles. The size distribution and drug release profile at different pH demonstrated that poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles possessed pH‐sensitivity. At pH 1.2, the mean diameter of nanoparticles was about 60 nm. While at pH 7.4 it increased approximately to 250 nm. The release of EM was about 7% of initial loading after 2 h at pH 1.2. However, at pH 7.4 it reached to 17.8%, 30.9% after 2 and 6 h, respectively. The results demonstrated that poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles could release EM slightly while passing through acerbic stomach, whereas in the alkaline intestine the drug is released considerably. The prepared nanoparticles were partially degradable and also had satisfactory biocompatibility. This study suggests that the poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles are potential colon‐specific targeting carriers, which can keep promising pharmaceutical dosage form of EM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Liver‐targeting doxorubicin‐conjugated polymeric prodrug with pH‐triggered drug release profile

The aim of the research presented was to develop a potential liver‐targeting prolonged‐circulation polymeric prodrug of doxorubicin (Dox) with a pH‐triggered drug release profile. In particular, linear dendritic block copolymers composed of polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG; number‐average molecular weight of 2000 g mol^?1) with or without galactose (Gal) were synthesized. Dox was coupled to the copolymers via an acid‐labile hydrazone linker. These prodrugs, designated Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Dox_n and mPEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Dox_m, showed accelerated Dox release as the pH decreased from 8.0 to 5.6. Cytotoxicity of the prodrugs was lower than that of free Dox due to the gradual drug release nature. Compared to mPEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Dox_m, Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Dox_n showed rather high cytotoxicity against Bel‐7402, suggestive of its galactose receptor‐mediated enhanced tumor uptake. This galactose receptor‐mediated liver‐targeted profile was further confirmed by the prolonged retention time in hepatoma tissue monitored using magnetic resonance imaging. Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Dox_n showed better in vivo antitumor efficacy than free Dox, suggesting its great potential as a polymeric antitumor prodrug. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

pH‐sensitive Podophyllotoxin carrier for cancer cells specific delivery

A pH‐sensitive drug targeting system for solid tumors was established based on N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and chitosan conjugates. The mass ratio of NIPAAm and chitosan was adjusted to obtain super pH‐sensitive characteristic and the structure was studied by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscope to confirm the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. The pH‐sensitive and drug release characteristics in vitro were studied as well. Human lung cancer cells A‐549 and human fibroblast were used to test the biocompatibility of blank and Podophyllotoxin (POD) loaded nanoparticles further to certificate the reliability of targeting acidic tumor extracellular pH. Results revealed that when charge ratio between NIPAAm and CS achieve 4:1(w/w), the drug‐loaded nanoparticles, which diameters ranged from 50 to 150 nm, exhibited super pH‐sensitive responses to tumor pH. Encapsulation and loading efficiencies were 63.7% and 2.4%, respectively. The cumulative release rate of POD, which significantly enhanced at pH 6.8 while decreased rapidly either below pH 6.5 or above pH 6.9 at 37°C. At pH 6.8, POD‐loaded nanoparticles showed cytotoxicity in MTT test and fluorescence microscopic study, comparable to that of free POD at the same POD concentrations, whereas at pH 7.4 there was little cytotoxicity at the tested concentration range. Thereby, the atoxic PNIPAAm‐g‐chitosan nanoparticle has the potentiality as a novel anticancer drugs carrier. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

pH‐sensitive shrinking of a dextran sulfate/chitosan complex gel and its promotion effect on the release of polymeric substances

A pH‐sensitive gel was prepared by polyelectrolyte complex formation between dextran sulfate and chitosan. When the complex gel contained more amino groups than sulfate groups, it shrank pronouncedly at around pH 7 in NaCl solutions of various concentrations, probably because of the deionization of protonated amino groups remaining free from electrostatic interaction with the sulfate groups. Using the complex gel loaded with dextran by absorption, releasing behaviors were studied under various conditions. It was shown that shrinking of the complex gel had a promotion effect on the release of dextran. In 170 mM NaCl solution, the complex gel released dextran more rapidly at pH 8 than at pH 2, because the degree of shrinking was greater at pH 8. Thus, the promotion effect of the complex gel on the release of dextran was pH dependent, though the release rates at the two pHs became closer as the average molecular weight of dextran loaded was lowered. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 667–674, 2001     

Pluronic-chitosan-folate nano-micelles incorporated with quantum dots for anti-cancer drug therapy

Abstract

Two kinds of QDs were used in this study for comparison, one is water-dispersed ZnO QD which was prepared by chemical sedimentation method, the other is commercialized water-soluble CdTe QD. The Pluronic nano-micelles containing QDs and anti-cancer drug were prepared. Then, the surface of Pluronic micelles containing QDs and anti-cancer drug were modified by folate-conjugated chitosan to obtain anti-cancer drug-loaded QD-Pluronic-Chitosan-folate nano-carriers. The results indicate the nano-carrier containing either ZnO or CdTe QD has sustained drug release behavior and good specificity to the cancer cell. The embedded CdTe QDs can effectively show the fluorescence during in vivo studies.     

Temperature/pH dual responsive microgels of crosslinked poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐undecenoic acid) as biocompatible materials for controlled release of doxorubicin

Undecenoic acid functionalized thermo/pH responsive microgels, poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐undecenoic acid) [poly(VCL‐co‐UA)], were synthesized by precipitation emulsion copolymerization. The microgels exhibit reversible thermo/pH responsive phase transition behavior, which can be tuned by varying the monomer feed ratio. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of the materials are close to body temperature. As a result, when temperatures rise above ca. 37°C, a rapid thermal gelation process occurs, accompanied by a phase transition, resulting in expulsion of encapsulated compound. In vitro experiment evaluated its applicability as a drug carrier for controlled release of an anticancer agent (doxorubicin) and showed that the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), releasing rate, and kinetics are dependent on the temperature and pH value as expected. Minimal cytotoxicity of the microgels was observed by a cytotoxicity assay using 3T3 fibroblast cells. Our finding suggests that the poly(VCL‐co‐UA) based microgels may be considered a promising candidate for temperature or pH‐controlled delivery of anticancer drugs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41146.     

pH sensitive interpenetrating network microgels of sodium alginate‐acrylic acid for the controlled release of ibuprofen

pH‐Sensitive interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels (MGs) of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and acrylic acid have been prepared by using water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion technique. The MGs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffractometer (X‐RD). The release of ibuprofen (IB), an anti‐inflammatory drug, from these MGs was studied in pH 1.2 and 7.4 media. MG network consists of NaAlg, which disintegrates in the intestinal fluid, while poly(acrylic acid) provides pH‐sensitivity to the microgel network. The system developed in this study showed a pH‐sensitivity for the release of IB, which was attributed to the diffusion controlled release of the drug through the surfaces of MGs that undergo disintegration after swelling, depending upon the chemical composition of MGs and pH of the medium. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Acid‐sensitive magnetic nanoparticles as potential drug depots

Superparamagnetic magnetic nanoparticles were successfully functionalized with poly(methacrylic acid) via atom transfer radical polymerization, followed by conjugation to doxorubicin (Dox). Because of pH‐sensitive hydrazone linkages, the rate and extent of Dox release from the particles was higher at a lower pH and/or a higher temperature than at physiological conditions. Appropriate changes to the pH and temperature can increase the drug release from the particles. Because of the released drug, the particles were found to be cytotoxic to human breast cancer cells in vitro. Such magnetic nanoparticles, with the potential to retain drug under physiological conditions and release the drug in conditions where the pH is lower or temperature is higher, may be useful in magnetic drug targeting by reducing the side effects of the drug caused to healthy tissues. In addition, they may serve as hyperthermia agents where the high temperatures used in hyperthermia can trigger further drug release. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011     

葡萄糖响应型丙烯基氧化石墨烯微凝胶Pickering乳液的制备及性能

提出以具有葡萄糖敏感的GOM/Poly(AAPBA-DMAA-co-AAm)微凝胶为Pickering 乳液中的乳化剂，为使用具有特定响应行为的功能性微凝胶提供了更广泛的应用。采用傅里叶红外光谱分析仪（FT-IR）、扫描电镜-X射线能谱（SEM-EDS）对微凝胶的形貌结构及元素组成进行表征。通过调控微凝胶中丙烯基氧化石墨烯（GOM）的含量和微凝胶在水相中的含量，制得了粒径分布均匀、分散性良好的具有葡萄糖敏感的O/W型稳定Pickering乳液。以胰岛素为模型负载药物，体外模拟释药表明：当葡萄糖的浓度为6 mM时，胰岛素的累积释放率可达到44.69%，当葡萄糖的浓度增加至40 mM时，胰岛素的累积释放率可达到94.21%。     

Studies on the interaction of CdTe QDs with bovine serum albumin

BACKGROUND: Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention in biological and medical applications. In particular, the interaction of QDs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) is crucial, and has been systematically investigated by various spectroscopic techniques under the physiological conditions. RESULTS: The effects of ionic strength and pH on the interaction of CdTe QDs with BSA were studied by changing NaCl concentration and pH in mixed solution and making fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. The Stern‐Volmer quenching constant (K_a) of different ionic strength and pH were calculated, and information on the structural features of BSA were discussed by means of circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. CONCLUSION: Both fluorescence (FL) and circular dichroism (CD) results indicated that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions play a major role in the binding reaction, and the nature of quenching is static, resulting in forming QDs‐BSA complexes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry