Polymeric nanocapsules ultra stable in complex biological media

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Non-specific protein adsorption onto nanoparticles from biological fluids like blood plasma is a major hurdle for biomedical applications.
• Nanocapsules (NC) are potential candidates for drug delivery and diagnostics, but their stability in vivo is limited by protein fouling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate poly(MeOEGMA)-coated nanocapsules for enhanced stability in complex biological media.
• To investigate the effect of poly(MeOEGMA) brush layer thickness on protein adsorption and nanocapsule aggregation.

Main Methods:

• Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization was used to create poly(MeOEGMA) polymer brush layers on nanocapsules.
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed to assess particle size distribution and aggregation in biological fluids.
• Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was utilized to quantify protein deposition on poly(MeOEGMA) surfaces.

Main Results:

• Uncoated nanocapsules rapidly aggregated in human serum albumin, fetal bovine serum, and human blood plasma.
• Nanocapsules coated with a 60 nm poly(MeOEGMA) layer exhibited significantly reduced aggregation in these biological fluids.
• SPR analysis confirmed suppressed protein deposition on poly(MeOEGMA) surfaces, correlating with improved nanocapsule stability.

Conclusions:

• Poly(MeOEGMA) brush coatings effectively prevent protein adsorption and aggregation of nanocapsules in complex biological media.
• These stabilized nanocapsules show promise for advanced biomedical applications, including drug delivery and diagnostics.
• Controlled polymer brush architecture is crucial for achieving robust nanoparticle performance in physiological environments.