Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
09:57
A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
Published on: December 23, 2016
Disulfide cross-linked polymer capsules: en route to biodeconstructible systems
Alexander N Zelikin1, John F Quinn, Frank Caruso
1Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Biomacromolecules
|January 10, 2006
Summary
Researchers created stable multilayer thin films using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(methacrylic acid). These films, functionalized with cysteamine and cross-linked via disulfide bonds, demonstrated controlled drug release triggered by dithiothreitol (DTT).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Multilayer thin films offer versatile platforms for drug delivery and biomaterial applications.
- Controlling film stability at physiological conditions is crucial for in vivo applications.
- Thiol-functionalized polymers provide opportunities for cross-linking and triggered disassembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct stable hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(methacrylic acid) functionalized with cysteamine.
- To investigate the stability of these films at physiological pH and their potential for drug retention and release.
- To explore the use of disulfide bond formation for enhanced film stability and dithiothreitol (DTT)-triggered disassembly.
Main Methods:
- Construction of multilayer thin films via hydrogen bonding between poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(methacrylic acid).
- Functionalization with cysteamine to introduce thiol moieties.
- Cross-linking of thiol moieties to form disulfide bonds for enhanced stability.
- Quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) for monitoring film buildup and stability.
- Confocal microscopy for visualizing films on colloidal substrates.
- Drug retention and release studies using fluorescently labeled transferrin.
Main Results:
- Stable multilayer thin films were successfully constructed and characterized.
- Disulfide bond formation significantly improved film stability at physiological pH (7).
- Films remained intact at pH 7, with swelling observed, while disulfide-free films deconstructed.
- Dithiothreitol (DTT) triggered the disassembly of disulfide-bonded films.
- The films demonstrated the ability to retain and release a model drug (transferrin) upon DTT addition.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films functionalized with cysteamine and cross-linked via disulfide bonds offer enhanced stability at physiological pH.
- These films can act as drug delivery systems with triggered release capabilities mediated by thiol-disulfide exchange.
- The approach holds promise for in vivo applications, such as hollow capsules, leveraging intracellular protein-assisted deconstruction.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...