Self-assemble nanoparticles based on polypeptides containing C-terminal luminescent Pt-cysteine complex.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Luminescent nanocarriers are crucial for drug delivery systems and monitoring their distribution.
• There is a need for novel nanocarriers with integrated imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize amphiphilic polypeptides with a C-terminal phosphorescent label.
• To prepare luminescent nanoparticles from these polypeptides for potential drug delivery applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of amphiphilic polypeptides using a novel phosphorescent platinum-cysteine complex as an initiator for ring-opening polymerization.
• Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles and block-copolymers from the synthesized polypeptides.
• Evaluation of cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, and cellular uptake of the nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Polypeptides bearing an intact phosphorescent label were successfully synthesized.
• The phosphorescent label maintained its emission characteristics in polypeptides, block-copolymers, and self-assembled nanoparticles.
• The resulting phosphorescent nanoparticles exhibited no cytotoxicity or hemolytic activity and were readily internalized by living cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed phosphorescent nanoparticles are promising for in vivo cell visualization and drug delivery monitoring.
• The approach allows for the creation of advanced nanocarriers with integrated imaging functionalities.
• These findings open avenues for time-resolved imaging and enhanced drug delivery tracking.