Multicomponent Supramolecular Polymers as a Modular Platform for Intracellular Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Materials science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Supramolecular polymers are novel nanosized structures with potential in medicine.
• Their application in drug delivery remains underexplored.
• PEGylated 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide (BTA) supramolecular polymers present a promising avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of PEGylated BTA supramolecular polymers for intracellular delivery.
• To explore the modular assembly of neutral and cationic BTAs for tunable properties.
• To demonstrate the co-delivery of hydrophobic molecules and siRNA.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a modular supramolecular chemistry approach to coassemble neutral and cationic BTAs.
• Functionalizing the supramolecular polymer core with hydrophobic guest molecules.
• Complexing siRNA to the exterior of the supramolecular polymer.
• Assessing delivery efficiency in living cells.

Main Results:

• Successful coassembly of neutral and cationic BTAs, allowing control over polymer properties.
• Efficient loading of hydrophobic guest molecules into the polymer core.
• Effective electrostatic complexation of siRNA to the polymer exterior.
• Demonstrated intracellular delivery of both hydrophobic molecules and siRNA in living cells.
• Successful implementation of a dual delivery strategy.

Conclusions:

• PEGylated BTA supramolecular polymers provide a versatile and modular platform for intracellular delivery.
• This system facilitates the co-delivery of diverse therapeutic payloads, including hydrophobic drugs and nucleic acids.
• The findings open new possibilities for supramolecular polymer applications in advanced drug delivery systems.