Light-sensitive dextran-covered PNBA nanoparticles to continuously or discontinuously improve the drug release

In this work, photo-sensitive core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) based on biocompatible dextran-g-poly(o-nitrobenzyl acrylate) copolymers (Dex-g-PNBA), containing dextran as hydrophilic backbone and PNBA as photosensitive grafts, were formulated using two processes. In the first process (nanoprecipitation), NPs were prepared using preformed Dex-g-PNBA copolymers. Using the second process (emulsion/organic solvent evaporation), "clicked" or "unclicked" NPs were obtained carrying out (or not) an interfacial in situ click chemistry, respectively. Two model molecules, Nile Red (NR) and Doxorubicin (DOX), were encapsulated and their controlled release from NPs was investigated under UV irradiations to demonstrate the high potential of such photosensitive NPs in biomedicine applications as drug delivery nanocarriers. According to such irradiations, improved release was easily observed. Release kinetics depended on the formulation process and the NPs core chemistry, but not on the occurrence of the interfacial in situ click chemistry. More interesting, a stepped release of such model molecules may easily be obtained.