Polymeric PEGylated nanoparticles as drug carriers: How preparation and loading procedures influence functional properties

The application of emerging nanotechnologies in medicine showed in the last years a significant potential in the improvement of therapies. In particular, polymeric nanocarriers are currently tested to evaluate their capability to reduce side effects, to increase the residence time in the body and also to obtain a controlled release over time. In the present work a novel polymeric nanocarrier was developed and optimized to obtain, with the same chemical formulation, three different typologies of nanocarriers: dense nanospheres loaded with an active molecule (1) during nanoparticle formation and (2) after the preparation and (3) hollow nanocapsules to increase the starting drug payload. Synthetic materials considered were PEGylated acrylic copolymers, folic acid was used as model of a hydrophobic drug. The main aim is to develop an optimized nanocarrier for the transport and the enhanced release of poorly water‐soluble drugs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41310.     

Synthesis and stabilization of Au nanoparticles in colloidal solution using macroelectrolytes with sulfonic acid groups

Metal nanoparticles are obtained by different chemical reactions using reducing agents that are not environmentally friendly. This work report the synthesis of Au nanoparticles in colloidal solution using three monodisperse macroelectrolytes, with peripheral sulfonic acid groups bonded covalently, without toxic reducing agents. During the synthesis of Au nanoparticles were used the new macroelectrolytes as reducing and stabilizing agents in aqueous solution or ethylene glycol. The macroelectrolytes were synthesized using hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene as core, and o‐ or p‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid, obtaining acid macroelectrolytes with two and six sulfonic acid groups in ortho‐ position, and four sulfonic acid groups in para‐ position. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy study show that the macroelectrolytes with sulfonic acid groups in ortho‐ position are reducing agents for Au⁺⁺⁺ ions in colloidal solution and produced Au nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes, such as decahedrons and prisms. The macroelectrolyte with sulfonic acid groups in para‐ position is reducing agent for Au⁺⁺⁺ and produces quasispherical Au nanoparticles with sizes between 8 and 40 nm. The colloidal solutions with Au nanoparticles were stable by several months due to the protection of imine and sulfonic groups of macroelectrolytes on the Au nanoparticles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45888.     

Iodine-loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite mucoadhesive film for antibacterial application

Iodine-loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite film was fabricated and evaluated for antibacterial properties. Poly(silicic acid) nanoparticles were synthesized by condensation of silicic acid under alkaline conditions in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, phosphate ions, and molecular iodine. The nanoparticles were incorporated into gellan dispersion to prepare gellan nanocomposite film using the solvent casting method. The nanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies. The results of characterization studies indicated improved thermal stability and an increase in the degree of crystallinity. The scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum confirmed the uniform dispersion of silica and iodine in the nanocomposite films. The analysis of physical and mechanical properties revealed the enhanced tensile strength, moisture resistance, and higher folding endurance of poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite films as compared to gellan film. Further, the iodine-loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and effective mucoadhesive strength. The results indicate that iodine-loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite mucoadhesive film can be used for potential antibacterial applications in pharmaceuticals.     

Amorphous poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) nanoparticles prepared with recombinant phasins and PHB depolymerase

Phasin protein (PhaP) is known to anchor into the matrix of phospholipid surrounding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) inclusion bodies formed in bacterial cells and regulate the size of the granules, as well as the number of PHA granules. To investigate the effect of phasin on the formation of artificial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) granules in vitro, (His)₆‐tagged or GST‐fusion recombinant phasin was prepared and utilized for the artificial granule preparation. In addition, a P(3HB) depolymerase was coloaded with the recombinant phasin to prepare self‐degradable phasin‐coated P(3HB) granules. A water/chloroform two‐phase emulsion technique was used, in which the emulsification was carried out by sonication, and the chloroform in the emulsion was removed by stirring‐aided evaporation at room temperature or 65°C. Slower chloroform removal at room temperature produced better spherically shaped P(3HB) nanogranules, which were uniformly sized (～100 to 200 nm in diameter). The self‐degradability of P(3HB) depolymerase‐loaded P(3HB) nanogranules was investigated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41074.     

Spray‐dried microparticles composed of cinnamoyl poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐hydroxyethylacrylate) and gold nanoparticle

Temperature‐ and NIR irradiation‐responsive microparticles composed of cinnamoyl poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐hydroxyethylacrylate) [CinP(NIPAM‐HEA)] and gold nanoparticle (GNP) were prepared by a spray‐drying method. According to the cloud points determined by an optical method, the HEA content in P(NIPAM‐HEA) had no marked effect on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). However, the cinnamoyl group content in CinP(NIPAM‐HEA) had a significant effect on the LCST. The LCSTs determined by a calorimetric method was in agreement with those determined by an optical method. The hydrodynamic mean diameter of gold nanoparticle (GNP) prepared by reducing gold ions was about 30 nm and it seemed to be a nanosphere on TEM photo. Spray‐dried CinP(NIPAM‐HEA) microparticles containing GNP was 1.5 μm to 12 μm in diameter on SEM photo. Gold was detected on the energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum of the microparticles. The amount of FITC‐dextran released for 12 h from the microparticles was much higher at temperatures above the LCST (at 37 °C and 45 °C) than below the LCST (at 20 °C and 25 °C). The cumulative release amount in 12 h was only about 3% without NIR irradiation, whereas the value was about 26.5% when NIR was irradiated to the microparticle suspension. The photothermal energy generated by GNP was believed to render the thermosensitive copolymers de‐swollen and hydrophobic, allowing for the active release of dye from the microparticles. The NIR irradiation‐responsive GNP‐loaded microparticles could be applied to the development of NIR‐responsive drug carriers which release their contents in response to an external stimulus (i.e., NIR irradiation). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44141.     

Effect of protein adsorption on cell uptake and blood clearance of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(caprolactone) nanoparticles

The interactions between nanoparticles and cells or tissues are frequently mediated by different biomolecules adsorbed onto the surface of nanoparticles. In this study, several methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (mPEG‐PCL) copolymers with various mPEG/PCL ratios were synthesized and used to produce three types of mPEG‐PCL nanoparticles. The protein‐adsorption behavior of nanoparticles was assessed using fetal‐bovine‐serum (FBS) as a model protein. The cell uptake of nanoparticles at different nanoparticle doses as well as various culture periods was examined by measuring their endocytosis rate related to Hela cells cultured in FBS‐free and FBS‐contained media. The blood clearance of nanoparticles was evaluated using Kunming mice to see the differences in circulation durations of nanoparticles. Results suggest that that FBS is able to significantly regulate the cell uptake of nanoparticles in vitro, and on the other hand, the size and mPEG/PCL molar ratio of mPEG/PCL nanoparticles are closely correlated to their blood clearance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42884.     

Self‐aggregated nanoparticles of N‐dodecyl,N′‐glycidyl(chitosan) as pH‐responsive drug delivery systems for quercetin

In this study, pH‐responsive amphiphilic chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to encapsulate quercetin (QCT) for sustained release in cancer therapy. The novel CS derivatives were obtained by synthesis with 2,3‐epoxy‐1‐propanol, also known as glycidol, followed by acylation with dodecyl aldehyde. Characterization was performed by spectroscopic, viscosimetric, and size‐determination methods. Critical aggregation concentration, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug release profile, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility studies were also carried out. The average size distribution of the self‐assembling nanoparticles measured by dynamic light scattering ranged from 140 to 300 nm. In vitro QCT release and Korsmeyer–Peppas model indicated that pH had a major role in drug release. Cytotoxicity assessments indicated that the nanoparticles were non‐cytotoxic. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay further revealed that QCT‐loaded nanoparticles could inhibit MCF‐7 cell growth. In vitro erythrocyte‐induced hemolysis indicated the good hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These results suggest that the synthesized copolymers might be potential carriers for hydrophobic drugs in cancer therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45678.     

The preparation,characterization, and properties of silver nanoparticle reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) nanocomposites

A simple approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) (Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM) nanocomposites. The structural changes of the nanocomposites with the PAMAM and Ag NPs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the performance was characterized with thermogravimetric and electrical conductivity instruments. The results indicate that the Ag NPs are well dispersed in fine size on the surface of the RGO–PAMAM composites, which results in an increase of at least 38% in thermostability and a certain enhancement in electrical conductivity. It is worth noting that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was approximately 5.88 S cm^?1, which was higher than that of RGO–PAMAM, and increases with the rising content of silver nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM nanocomposites still maintain a favorable dispersion in organic solvents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45172.     

Modification of ibuprofen drug release from poly(ethylene glycol) layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by hot‐melt extrusion

Composites of the poorly water soluble drug ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory commonly used for pain relief, with layered silicates (nanoclays) and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared by hot melt extrusion. A highly intercalated and partially exfoliated morphology was determined using wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline content of PEG was significantly reduced, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry studies, as a consequence of the large surface area of clay platelets physically hindering polymer chain dynamics and, in the case of montmorillonite, by tethering of PEG via hydrogen bonding. Addition of layered silicate retarded the release of ibuprofen from the PEG matrix, even though the crystalline content of PEG was reduced. This study therefore indicates that drug release in solid dispersion systems may be modified or indeed tailored by the inclusion of layered silicates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40284.     

Self‐segregating hyperbranched polymer/silver nanoparticle hybrids in thermoplastic polyurethane films

Self‐segregating hyperbranched polymer (HBP) additives have been utilized to concentrate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at the air interface of polyurethane films. The limited spontaneous surface migration of the AgNPs was enhanced through the addition of appropriately functionalized HBPs. Both amine and thiol terminated additives were employed to allow interaction of the HBP with the nanoparticles. Both types of additives increased surface concentration of silver modestly, though the thiol‐terminated HBPs demonstrated nearly a seven‐fold enhancement of surface migration. It was also found that wholly‐aliphatic HBPs demonstrated only slightly reduced ability to bias AgNP concentration as compared to HBPs functionalized with perfluorinated chains. In addition, films containing 1% total silver concentration were tested for antimicrobial activity using the ASTM‐E 2180 protocol. Significant reduction of the microorganisms was observed for all samples, 6‐log reduction was achieved for the gram‐negative bacteria P. aeruginosa, the gram‐positive bacteria S. aureus, and the fungi C. albicans. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Nanofibrous nonwovens based on dendritic‐linear‐dendritic poly(ethylene glycol) hybrids

Dendritic‐linear‐dendritic (DLD) hybrids are highly functional materials combining the properties of linear and dendritic polymers. Attempts to electrospin DLD polymers composed of hyperbranched dendritic blocks of 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid on a linear poly(ethylene glycol) core proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, when these DLD hybrids were blended with an array of different biodegradable polymers as entanglement enhancers, nanofibrous nonwovens were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The pseudogeneration degree of the DLDs, the nature of the co‐electrospun polymer and the solvent systems used for the preparation of the electrospinning solutions exerted a significant effect on the diameter and morphology of the electrospun fibers. It is worth‐noting that aqueous solutions of the DLD polymers and only 1% (w/v) poly(ethylene oxide) resulted in the production of smoother and thinner nanofibers. Such dendritic nanofibrous scaffolds can be promising materials for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, multifunctionality, and advanced structural architecture. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45949.     

Self-assembled poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-grafted gelatin nanogels for efficient delivery of curcumin in cancer treatment

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural active ingredient that attracted much attention for its chemotherapeutic activity against tumors without causing toxicity in healthy cells. However, it has certain limitations for being used in chemotherapy such as low aqueous solubility and hydrolytic instability in the physiological environment. In this study, self-assembled poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-grafted gelatin (Gel-mPEG) nanogels were fabricated as delivery systems to improve the applicability of CUR in cancer treatment. CUR-loaded Gel-mPEG nanogels exhibited desired size range, relatively colloidal stability, and provided enhanced CUR stability in aqueous solutions. Especially, they showed significant high CUR loading capacity and better anticancer activity than free CUR as compared to previously reported CUR-loaded nanogels according to the best of our knowledge. Moreover, the in vitro release of CUR from the nanogels was controlled and prolonged up to 96 h. These results demonstrated that Gel-mPEG nanogels are the promising modality for the efficient delivery of CUR in cancer treatment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47544.     

Effect of hyperbranched poly(citric polyethylene glycol) with different polyethylene glycol chain length on starch sizing and compatibility with blended yarns

Blend of starch and water-soluble polyester has been widely used in warp sizing because of its good film-forming, biodegradability, and adhesion to polyester/cotton blended yarns (T/C). In this study, a series of hyperbranched polyesters poly(citric polyethylene glycol) (PCPEG) with varied chain length of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared with citric acid and PEG at molar ratio of 1:3 and 150 °C for 3 h in vacuum and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared, gel permeation chromatography, and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance. PCPEG blended maize starch (PCPEG/MS) as sizing agent of T/C 80/20 and effects of PEG chain length of PCPEG on the property of the blending sizing agent were studied. Results indicated PCPEG could improve the compatibility between starch and T/C 80/20 and the optimum content of PCPEG as blended sizing agent was 8%. PCPEG not only decreased apparent viscosity of MS paste but also increased viscosity stability of the paste. In addition, with increase of PEG chain length of PCPEG, viscosity stability of PCPEG/MS paste increased, but the value of all adhesion performances of T/C 80/20 after sizing decreased. Long chain of PEG is not good for compatibility between PCPEG and starch. The starch blending PCPEG has potential applications in sizing blended yarns in textile industry. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48928.     

Aging properties and hydrophilicity of maize starch plasticized by hyperbranched poly(citrate glyceride)

Hyperbranched poly(citrate glyceride)s (HBPETs) as plasticizers were mixed with maize starch (S) via cooking and film formation. The structure, aging properties, and hydrophilicity of the plasticized starches were studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, tension testing, contact angle testing, solubility measurements, moisture absorption, and water vapor permeability (WVP). Compared with a glycerol–S plasticized film, the HBPET–S composite films had better mechanical properties in terms of both strength and elongation at break, better aging resistance, less moisture absorption, less WVP, and more hydrophobicity on the film surface. The mechanisms behind the performances resulted from stronger and more stable H bonds between the abundant active end groups of HBPET and hydroxyls of starch and the high branching degree of the HBPETs; this was helpful for effectively inhibiting the recrystallization of starch. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 46899.     

Synthesis of poly(butyl acrylate)—laponite nanocomposite nanoparticles for improving the impact strength of poly(lactic acid)

This work aims at preparing and characterizing poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA)—laponite (LRD) nanocomposite nanoparticles and nanocomposite core (PBA‐LRD)‐shell poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles, on the one hand, and the morphology and properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based blends containing PBA‐LRD nanocomposite nanoparticles or (PBA‐LRD)/PMMA core–shell nanoparticles as the dispersed phase, on the other hand. The PBA and (PBA‐LRD)/PMMA nanoparticles were synthesized by miniemulsion or emulsion polymerization using LRD platelets modified by 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS). The grafting of MPTMS onto the LRD surfaces was characterized qualitatively using FTIR and quantitatively using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The amounts of LRD in the PBA‐LRD nanocomposites were characterized by TGA. The PBA/PMMA core–shell particles were analyzed by ¹H‐NMR. Their morphology was confirmed by SEM and TEM. Mechanical properties of (PBA‐LRD)/PLA blends and (PBA‐LRD)/PMMA/PLA ones were tested and compared with those of the pure PLA, showing that core–shell particles allowed increasing impact strength of the PLA while minimizing loss in Young modulus and tensile strength. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Chitosan‐modified d‐α‐tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone‐ran‐glycolide) nanoparticles for the oral chemotherapy of bladder cancer

Oral chemotherapy is quickly emerging as an appealing option for cancer patients. It is less stressful because the patient has fewer hospital visits and can still maintain a close relationship with health care professionals. Three kinds of nanoparticles made from commercial poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and self‐synthesized d‐α‐tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate ‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone‐ran‐glycolide) [TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA)] diblock copolymer were prepared in this study for the oral delivery of antitumor agents, including chitosan‐modified PCL nanoparticles, nonmodified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles, and chitosan‐modified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles. First, the TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) diblock copolymer was synthesized and structurally characterized. Chitosan was adopted to extend the retention time at the cell surface and thus increase the chance of nanoparticle uptake by the gastrointestinal mucosa and improve the absorption of drugs after oral administration. The resulting TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles were found to be of spherical shape and around 200 nm in diameter with a narrow size distribution. The surface charge of the TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles could be reversed from anionic to cationic after surface modification. The chitosan‐modified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles displayed a significantly higher level of cellular uptake compared with the chitosan‐modified PCL nanoparticles and nonmodified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles. In vitro cell viability studies showed the advantages of the chitosan‐modified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles over Taxol in terms of their cytotoxicity against human RT112 cells. In summary, the oral delivery of antitumor agents by chitosan‐modified TPGS‐b‐(PCL‐ran‐PGA) nanoparticles produced results that were promising for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2118–2126, 2013     

In situ incorporation of monodisperse drug nanoparticles into hydrogel scaffolds for hydrophobic drug release

The effective and locally sustained delivery of hydrophobic drug with hydrogels as carriers is still a challenge owing to the inherent incompatibility of hydrophilic hydrogel network and hydrophobic drug. One promising approach is to use porous hydrogels to encapsulate and deliver hydrophobic drug in the form of nanoparticles to the disease sites. However, this approach is currently limited by the inability to load concentrated hydrophobic drug nanoparticles into the hydrogels because of the severe nanoparticle aggregation during the loading process. In this article, we firstly designed and fabricated efficient drug nanoparticles embedded hydrogels for hydrophobic drug delivery by incorporating monodisperse silybin (hydrophobic drug for liver protection) nanoparticles into acrylated hyaluronic acid (HA‐AC) based hydrogels through in situ cross‐linking. The silybin nanoparticles embedded hydrogel scaffolds proved to be a good sustained release system with a long period of 36 h. The drug release from this hybrid hydrogels could be modulated by tuning HA‐AC concentration, cross‐linking ratio, chain length of cross‐linker and drug loading amount. The different kinetic models were applied, and it was observed that the release profile of silybin best followed the Hixson‐Crowell model for the release of drug from the hydrogels embedding silybin nanoparticles. It could be envisioned that this process would significantly advance the potential applications of hydrogel scaffolds mediated hydrophobic drug delivery in clinical therapies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43111.     

Silver-doped biphasic calcium phosphate/alginate microclusters with antibacterial property and controlled doxorubicin delivery

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) based materials possessed with both excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial activity show potential advantages for biomedical applications. Here, the silver-doped BCP/Alginate (_AgBA) microclusters were first fabricated using the double-emulsions method. First, BCP nanoparticles were incorporated into the alginate network to form BCP/Alginate microclusters via the emulsion process. Then, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ involved in BCP/Alginate networks to obtain the final _AgBA microclusters. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that BCP nanoparticles and AgNPs were uniformly distributed in _AgBA microclusters. The morphology of _AgBA microclusters could be regulated by adjusting emulsion power, and microclusters using the medium powder (500 W) showed a regular spherical shape. Furthermore, CCK-8 analysis identified that _AgBA microclusters were cytocompatible culturing with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Qualitative antibacterial tests exhibited the excellent inhibition effects of _AgBA microclusters against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli. (Gram-negative). Lastly, the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded _AgBA microclusters presented adjustable loading efficiency of DOX and controllable release profiles. The cumulative release could reach 73.3% after 72 h in PBS. The above results raised a new route for antibacterial microclusters development for biomedical applications.     

Controlled co‐delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs from thermosensitive and crystallizable copolymer nanoparticles

Functionalized amphiphilic block copolymers poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)‐b‐poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PNIPAM‐PSMA) are synthesized. Their self‐assembled core‐shell nanoparticles have the hydrophilic thermosensitive shell and hydrophobic crystallizable core. Nanoparticles exhibit volume phase transition at temperature of 38 °C and its poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PSMA) moiety could form nano size crystals to retain drugs, making them good carriers for drug co‐delivery system. Thermosensitivity and crystallinity of nanoparticles are characterized with dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The interactions and relationship between chemical structures of copolymer nanoparticles and loading drugs are discussed. Different loading techniques and combined loading of hydrophobic/hydrophilic drugs are studied. Nanoparticles show a good and controllable drug loading capacity (DL) of hydrophilic/hydrophobic drugs. The drugs release kinetics is analyzed with Fick's law and Weibull model. A general method for analyzing drug release kinetics from nanoparticles is proposed. Weibull model is well fitted and the parameters with definite physical meaning are analyzed. PNIPAM‐PSMA nanoparticles show a quite different thermal response, temporal regulation, and sustained release effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, suggesting a promising application in extended and controlled co‐delivery system of multi‐drug. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44132.     

Chemical vapor deposition of poly(3‐alkylthiophene) nanoparticles on fabric: Chemical and electrochemical characterization

Chemical vapor deposition of poly(3‐methylthiophene) and poly (3‐hexylthiophene) as conductive polymers on the surface of polyester fabrics was successfully obtained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of polymers on surface of fabrics (the fingerprint of polythiophenes, υ 600–1500 cm^?1). The uniformity of deposition and nanoparticles (average size of 60 nm) were proved with scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that P3HT‐coated samples offer higher conductivity in compared to P3MT‐coated samples. The impedance modulus of P3HT‐coated samples was lowered nine times to that of row materials and reached to c8000 Ω. The samples have also shown electrochromic properties under electrical current, changing its color from yellowish green at 0 V to dark green at +12 V for poly (3‐hexylthiophene) samples and from brown at 0 V to red at +12 V for poly(3‐methylthiophene)‐coated fabrics (V = 0 V, λ = 450 nm; V = 12 V, λ = 650 nm). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40673.