Preparation, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Poly(Glutamic Acid)-b-Polyphenylalanine Polymersomes

Abstract

Different types of amphiphilic macromolecular structures have been developed within recent decades to prepare the polymer particles considered as drug delivery systems. In the present research the series of amphiphilic block-copolymers containing poly(glutamatic acid) as hydrophilic, and polyphenylalanine as hydrophobic blocks was synthesized and characterized. Molecular weights for homo-and copolymers were determined by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) and amino acid analysis, respectively. The copolymers obtained were applied for preparation of polymer particles. The specific morphology of prepared polymerosomes was proved using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence on particle size of polymer concentration and pH used for self-assembly, as well as on the length of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks of applied copolymers, was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Depending on different experimental conditions, the formation of nanoparticles with sizes from 60 to 350 nm was observed. The surface of polymersomes was modified with model protein (enzyme). No loss in biocatalytic activity was detected. Additionally, the process of encapsulation of model dyes was developed and the possibility of intracellular delivery of the dye-loaded nanoparticles was proved. Thus, the nanoparticles discussed can be considered for the creation of modern drug delivery systems.

PGlu-Modified Nanocrystalline Cellulose Improves Mechanical Properties, Biocompatibility, and Mineralization of Polyester-Based Composites

“…The THF used as eluent for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis was of HPLC grade and purchased from Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). PGlu was synthesized in IMC RAS via the ring-opening polymerization of γ-O-benzyl-α-glutamic acid N-carboxyanhydride, and then deprotected with TFA/TFSA, as described elsewhere [32,33]. The characteristics of PGlu were the following: M w = 2100 (weight average molecular weight), M n = 2000 (number average molecular weight), Ɖ = 1.05 (dispersity), and the amount of residual benzyl groups was 22% (according to NMR) [34].…”

Self-assemble nanoparticles based on polypeptides containing C-terminal luminescent Pt-cysteine complex

“…Recently it was observed that nanoparticles based on PGlu- b -PPhe copolymer did not affect cell metabolic activity 31 that clearly points to the poly(amino acid) nanoparticles biocompatibility. It is reasonable to suppose that the PGlu- b -PLeu particles are not cytotoxic as well.…”

“…The colloids obtained were then characterized by DLS method for measurement of hydrodynamic diameter of the prepared nanoobjects. TEM images was carried out as described in literature 31 .…”

“…In the present communication we report on a novel approach to the synthesis of amphiphilic polypeptides bearing C-terminal phosphorescent label followed by preparation of luminescent nanoparticles. Taking into account the biodegradability, biocompatibility and wide variability of suitable functional groups, the amphiphilic polypeptides are very attractive candidates for preparation of nanoparticles of different morphology targeted to the biomedical applications 29 30 31 . The synthesis of amphiphilic co-polypeptides was carried out using ring-opening polymerization strategy (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) of α-amino acids.…”

LRP1-mediated pH-sensitive Polymersomes Facilitate Combination Therapy of Glioblastoma in Vitro and in Vivo

“…As a new type of synthetic thin-shell structure, polymersomes self-assemble into vesicular structures based on amphiphilic block copolymers [12][13][14]. Compared with liposomes, polymersomes exhibit excellent stability and high membrane stability, and are promising alternatives to phospholipid-based vesicles [15][16][17][18].Furthermore, due to the difference in acidity between solid tumors and surrounding normal tissues, pH-responsive polymersomes have been widely noticed and studied, and their great potential in more e cient delivery and rapid drug release in tumor cells has been described.…”