Functionalization of Active Ester-Based Polymersomes for Enhanced Cell Uptake and Stimuli-Responsive Cargo Release

Biomacromolecules. 2016 Oct 10;17(10):3305-3317. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01049. Epub 2016 Sep 27.

Abstract

Poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (P(DHPMA))-based amphiphilic block copolymers have recently proven to form polymer vesicles (polymersomes). In this work, we further expand their potential by incorporating (i) units for pH-dependent disintegration into the hydrophobic membrane and (ii) mannose as targeting unit into the hydrophilic block. This last step relies on the use of an active ester prepolymer. We confirm the stability of the polymersomes against detergents like Triton X-100 and their low cytotoxicity. The incorporation of 2-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)ethyl methacrylate into the hydrophobic block (lauryl methacrylate) allows a pH-responsive disintegration for cargo release. Efficient decomposition of the polymersome structure is monitored by dynamic light scattering. It is thus possible to include an active enzyme (glucose oxidase), which gets only active (is set free) after vesicle disintegration. In addition, the introduction of mannose as targeting structure allows enhanced and selective targeting of dendritic cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dioxolanes / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Esters / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions / drug effects
  • Methacrylates / chemical synthesis
  • Methacrylates / chemistry*
  • Octoxynol / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Dioxolanes
  • Esters
  • Methacrylates
  • Polymers
  • dodecyl methacrylate
  • Octoxynol
  • formal glycol