Polymeric micelles consisting of asymmetric triblock copolymers were successfully used for fabrication of robust hybrid nanoparticles with highly biocompatible calcium phosphate shells. The hydrophobic polystyrene core encapsulates hydrophobic fluorescent dyes such as Nile red. The anionic polyacrylic acid provides the site for the mineralization reaction of calcium phosphate. The polyethylene glycol corona stabilizes the hybrid nanoparticles. Fluorescent dyes can be used as imaging agents for determining the location of the nanoparticles and to give an observable indication of drug delivery, while the calcium phosphate shell can enhance the fluorescence of the encapsulated dye.
A general concept is introduced featuring an ideal multifunctional surface that can avoid fouling problems while allowing the installed groups to perform with the high efficacy and accuracy necessary for delivering cascading and spontaneous biological activities. The idea is realized by using a direct synthesis of a multicomponent coating containing the two functionalities of 4‐methyl‐propiolate and 4‐N‐maleimidomethyl that is achieved via chemical vapor deposition copolymerization on various substrates. The novel coating can simultaneously perform specific bio‐orthogonal reactions, including the azide‐alkyne click reaction and a thiol‐maleimide coupling reaction. In the study, azide‐terminated polyethylene glycols are first immobilized on the methyl propiolate groups to impart an antifouling property, while bioactivity is enabled by tethering biotinylated thiols or Cys‐Arg‐Glu‐Asp‐Val (CREDV) peptides on the maleimide groups. The induced antifouling properties and bioactivities are confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance and cell culture studies. Finally, precisely manipulated endothelial cells, namely, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and bovine arterial endothelial cells, are observed on a complex stent substrate and on confined areas of the poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates.
The tri-functional coating synthesized via CVD copolymerization is comprised of distinguished anchoring sites of acetylene, maleimide, and ketone that can synergically undergo specific conjugation reactions to render surfaces with distinct biological functions, simultaneously. In addition, these tri-functional coatings can be fabricated in a micro-structured fashion on non-conventional surfaces.
C.‐H. Chang, H.‐Y. Chen, and co‐workers use a direct synthesis to create a multicomponent coating containing two functionalities, achieved via CVD copolymerization on various substrates. The resulting multifunctional surface can simultaneously perform specific bioorthogonal reactions, including the azidealkyne click reaction and a thiol‐maleimide coupling reaction. This advanced surface can avoid fouling, allowing the installed groups to perform specific biofunctions with the high efficacy and accuracy necessary for delivering cascading and spontaneous biological activities.
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