Zwitterionic Cross-Linked Biodegradable Nanocapsules for Cancer Imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Developing advanced materials for effective cancer imaging remains a critical challenge.
• Zwitterionic materials offer unique properties for biomedical applications due to their charge neutrality and hydrophilicity.
• Biodegradable polymers are desirable for in vivo applications to minimize long-term toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize zwitterionic cross-linked biodegradable nanocapsules for cancer imaging.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of these nanocapsules for diagnostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a polylactide (PLA)-based diblock copolymer via ring-opening polymerization (ROP).
• Functionalization of the copolymer using azide-alkyne "click" chemistry to conjugate sulfobetaine (SB) zwitterions and the fluorescent dye Cy5.5.
• Formation of cross-linked nanocapsules with zwitterionic outer shells via UV-induced thiol-ene "click" reaction in miniemulsions.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized cross-linked nanocapsules with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 136 nm.
• Demonstrated biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high colloidal stability of the nanocapsules.
• Observed cellular uptake by MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells in vitro and prolonged circulation time with tumor accumulation in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Zwitterionic cross-linked biodegradable nanocapsules are effective platforms for cancer imaging.
• The developed nanocapsules exhibit favorable properties for in vivo applications, including enhanced tumor targeting.
• This study highlights the potential of zwitterionic biodegradable polymers in advancing cancer diagnosis.