Issue 23, 2017

Biocompatible pH-responsive nanoparticles with a core-anchored multilayer shell of triblock copolymers for enhanced cancer therapy

Abstract

Drug nanocarriers are synthesised via a facile self-assembly approach using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as a structural core. The nanocarriers feature a multilayer shell of POEGMA–PDPA–PMPC triblock copolymers with a chain-end thiol functional group for anchoring to the Au NP surface. This water-soluble triblock copolymer was synthesised via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) from a bi-functional initiator containing a disulphide bridge. The resultant nanocarriers exhibit high biocompatibility plus excellent colloidal stability and antifouling capability in bio-media (50% PBS/FBS). Encapsulation and release of a hydrophobic drug can be effectively triggered by a pH-stimulus. Meanwhile drug-loaded nanocarriers show enhanced efficacy towards cancer cells compared to plain drug.

Graphical abstract: Biocompatible pH-responsive nanoparticles with a core-anchored multilayer shell of triblock copolymers for enhanced cancer therapy

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
09 Mar 2017
Accepted
28 Apr 2017
First published
12 May 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 4421-4425

Biocompatible pH-responsive nanoparticles with a core-anchored multilayer shell of triblock copolymers for enhanced cancer therapy

E. Ellis, K. Zhang, Q. Lin, E. Ye, A. Poma, G. Battaglia, X. J. Loh and T. Lee, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 4421 DOI: 10.1039/C7TB00654C

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