Enzymatically Triggered, Isothermally Responsive Polymers: Reprogramming Poly(oligoethylene glycols) To Respond to Phosphatase

Biomacromolecules. 2015 Oct 12;16(10):3256-64. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00929. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Abstract

Polymers which can respond to externally applied stimuli have found much application in the biomedical field due to their (reversible) coil-globule transitions. Polymers displaying a lower critical solution temperature are the most commonly used, but for blood-borne (i.e., soluble) biomedical applications the application of heat is not always possible, nor practical. Here we report the design and synthesis of poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate)-based polymers whose cloud points are easily varied by alkaline phosphatase-mediated dephosphorylation. By fine-tuning the density of phosphate groups on the backbone, it was possible to induce an isothermal transition: A change in solubility triggered by removal of a small number of phosphate esters from the side chains activating the LCST-type response. As there was no temperature change involved, this serves as a model of a cell-instructed polymer response. Finally, it was found that both polymers were non cytotoxic against MCF-7 cells (at 1 mg·mL(-1)), which confirms promise for biomedical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / chemistry*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases