Stabilization of lysozyme-incorporated polyion complex micelles by the omega-end derivatization of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(alpha,beta-aspartic acid) block copolymers with hydrophobic groups

Langmuir. 2005 Mar 29;21(7):2668-74. doi: 10.1021/la0488811.

Abstract

To improve the stability of lysozyme-incorporated polyion complex (PIC) micelles in physiological condition, three types of hydrophobic groups, including phenyl (Phe), naphthyl (Nap), and pyrenyl (Py) terminal groups, were separately introduced to the omega-end of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(alpha,beta-aspartic acid) block copolymers (PEG-P(Asp)). The goal was to enhance association forces between the enzyme, lysozyme, and PEG-P(Asp) carriers. Introduction of these hydrophobic groups significantly decreases micellar critical association concentration and increases the micellar tolerability against increasing NaCl concentrations. Particularly, PIC micelles formed from PEG-P(Asp) with Py groups was most stable against increasing NaCl concentrations up to 0.1 M. Significant deviation from a spherical shape for the micelles was also observed for the PEG-P(Asp)-Py system, consistent with an increased association number.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Aspartic Acid / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Micelles*
  • Muramidase / metabolism*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Muramidase