Photo-Responsive Self-Assembled Polymeric Nanoparticle Probes for 19F MRI Theranostics

Biomacromolecules. 2023 Jun 12;24(6):2777-2789. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00179. Epub 2023 May 22.

Abstract

19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assisted drug delivery provides the possibility to monitor and track drug transportation details in situ. A series of photo-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and 19F-containing hydrophobic segments, poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate) (PTFEA), with different chain lengths were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization. In particular, the photo-sensitive functional group of o-nitrobenzyl oxygen was introduced to control the photolysis behavior of the copolymers under ultraviolet irradiation. With the extension of the hydrophobic chain length, the drug loading capacity and photoresponsivity were both enhanced, while the chain mobility of PTFEA was suppressed, and the 19F MRI signal was attenuated. When the polymerization degree of PTFEA was about 10, the nanoparticles exhibit detectable 19F MRI signals and sufficient drug loading capacity (loading efficiency = 10%, cumulative release = 49%). These results offer a promising "smart" theranostic platform for 19F MRI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Micelles
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Precision Medicine*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Micelles
  • Drug Carriers