Work

Polymeric Micelles with Ionic Cores Containing Biodegradable Cross-Links for Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Novel functional polymeric nanocarriers with ionic cores containing biodegradable cross-links were developed for delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Block ionomer complexes (BIC) of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methacylic acid) (PEO-b-PMA) and divalent metal cations (Ca(2+)) were utilized as templates. Disulfide bonds were introduced into the ionic cores by using cystamine as a biodegradable cross-linker. The resulting cross-linked micelles with disulfide bonds represented soft, hydrogel-like nanospheres and demonstrated a time-dependent degradation in the conditions mimicking the intracellular reducing environment. The ionic character of the cores allowed to achieve a very high level of doxorubicin (DOX) loading (50% w/w) into the cross-linked micelles. DOX-loaded degradable cross-linked micelles exhibited more potent cytotoxicity against human A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells as compared to micellar formulations without disulfide linkages. These novel biodegradable cross-linked micelles are expected to be attractive candidates for delivery of anticancer drugs.

Source: Biomacromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/bm9013364

Authors: Jong Oh Kim, Gaurav Sahay, Alexander V. Kabanov, Tatiana K. Bronich

Institutions: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lomonosov Moscow State University, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Center for Research Resources