New self-assembled nanogels based on host-guest interactions: characterization and drug loading

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing novel self-assembling polymer systems for nanomedicine.
• Investigating stimuli-responsive and stable nanoassemblies in aqueous environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the spontaneous formation of neutral polymer-based supramolecular nanoassemblies in water.
• To elucidate the "lock and key" mechanism driving the self-assembly of dextran and poly-cyclodextrin polymers.
• To assess the stability and drug-loading capacity of the resulting nanogels.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing hydrophobic alkyl chains grafted onto dextran and molecular cavities in poly-cyclodextrin.
• Employing a "lock and key" inclusion complexation mechanism for polymer association.
• Characterizing the spherical nanoassemblies (nanogels) with an average size of 200 nm.

Main Results:

• Achieved high production yields of 95% for the supramolecular nanoassemblies.
• Confirmed complete inclusion of alkyl chains within cyclodextrin cavities, ensuring stable nanogel formation.
• Demonstrated the multivalent interactions responsible for the structural integrity of the nanogels.
• Showcased accessible, empty cyclodextrin units for incorporating guest molecules like benzophenone and tamoxifen.

Conclusions:

• Successfully created stable, spherical supramolecular nanoassemblies (nanogels) from two neutral polymers in water.
• The "lock and key" mechanism, driven by multivalent interactions, ensures nanogel stability and high formation yields.
• The developed nanogels exhibit potential for drug delivery due to accessible cavities for guest molecule inclusion.