Photodegradable polyurethane self-assembled nanoparticles for photocontrollable release

Light-responsive drug delivery systems are particularly appealing that are capable of releasing active molecules at the appropriate site and rate. We synthesized a series of photodegradable polymers that can form nanoparticles for drug encapsulation. These particles in aqueous solutions are stable in buffers with different pHs or at evaluated temperatures, while light can trigger the crash of particles and the release of encapsulated substances. The release efficiency can reach up to 90% based on Nile red fluorescence intensity upon 15 min light irradiation. Nanoparticle uptake by phagocytic cells and light-triggered release in cells were observed by fluorescence emission of the hydrolyzed fluorescein diacetate upon photoinduced degradation of these nanoparticles. No significant toxicity of these nanoparticles was found at the concentrations up to 1000 μg/mL before or after light irradiation. Further encapsulation and triggered release of a bioactive model drug (Tagalsin G) was evaluated for RAW 264.7 cells. Tagalsin G encapsulated in nanoparticles did not show cytotoxity to cells, while light triggered the release of Tagalsin G increasing cell death dramatically from 9% to 67%. Our model studies show a new promising strategy to trigger drug release in cells.