Lipiodol nanoemulsions stabilized with polyglycerol-polycaprolactone block copolymers for theranostic applications

Abstract

BackgroundPolyglycerol is an attractive hydrophilic building block of amphiphilic copolymers for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, facile chemical modification, and anti-fouling activity. Herein we introduce theranostic nanoemulsions incorporating anti-cancer therapeutic and contrast agents using linear polyglycerol-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers (PG-b-PCL). Lipiodol is used as a core oil that dissolves paclitaxel and serves as a contrast agent for computer tomography (CT).MethodsPG-b-PCL is synthesized by three-step processes: polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycerol ether; ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone; and deprotection of the PEEGE block. In vitro cytotoxicity of the polyglycerolated lipiodol nanoemulsions is demonstrated using HeLa ovarian cancer cells. The applicability of the prepared nanoemulsions as a contrast agent for CT imaging is also evaluated using micro-CT.ResultsThree compositions of PG-b-PCL with different block lengths are synthesized to prepare nanoemulsions. The polyglycerolated lipiodol nanoemulsions exhibit excellent anti-cancer activities, while placebo nanoemulsions have no significant cytotoxicity under the same condition. Micro-CT imaging of the nanoemulsions confirms the ability of nanoemulsions as a contrast agent.ConclusionsThis study suggests that PG-b-PCL is a promising polymeric emulsifier for effective stabilization and surface functionalization of drug delivery nanocarriers for therapeutic and imaging agents.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s40824-017-0108-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Conducting Polymers, Hydrogels and Their Composites: Preparation, Properties and Bioapplications

“…In recent years, it also has been indicated that nanostructured biomaterials significantly affect the biological functions of cells [ 250 , 251 , 252 , 253 , 254 ]. Within this group of materials at the nanometre scale (nanofibres, nanotubes, nanoparticles, and nanofilaments) [ 254 , 255 ], CPs may be applied, and their biological activity towards cells may be controlled by electrical stimulation [ 32 , 160 , 256 , 257 , 258 , 259 , 260 ].…”

Methods for producing microstructured hydrogels for targeted applications in biology

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Advanced Biomaterials and Techniques for Oral Tissue Engineering and Regeneration—A Review

“…Thus, bioinspired innovative materials are needed to mimic the complex structure of periodontal tissues at the micro- and nanolevel because, at present, functional periodontal tissue regeneration has yet not been achieved. Many studies with the objective of regenerating the periodontal tissues highlighted that the actual biomaterials cannot exactly mimic the natural architecture of periodontal tissues, so the connections between their components, cementum–PDL–alveolar bone, remain unstable and cannot support teeth or bear occlusal force [ 278 ].…”

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