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Published on: February 7, 2017
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Water insoluble cationic poly(ester amide)s: synthesis, characterization and applications.
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401, USA. cc62@cornell.edu.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
New biodegradable polymers, arginine and phenylalanine-based poly(ester amide)s (Arg-Phe-PEAs), show excellent biocompatibility and controlled degradation for biomedical uses. These materials form nanoparticles that enhance protein delivery.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Development of novel biomaterials is crucial for advancing biomedical applications.
- Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are highly sought after for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
- Existing biomaterials often face limitations in terms of inflammatory response and controlled degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new family of water-insoluble, biocompatible, and biodegradable cationic poly(ester amide)s (Arg-Phe-PEAs) based on arginine and phenylalanine.
- To evaluate the in vitro biological properties of Arg-Phe-PEAs, including enzymatic biodegradation, cell attachment, proliferation, and inflammatory response.
- To formulate Arg-Phe-PEAs into nanoparticles (NPs) and assess their potential for protein delivery.
Main Methods:
- Solution polycondensation was used to synthesize Arg-Phe-PEAs from amino acids, diols, and dicarboxylic acids.
- Standard physicochemical methods were employed for characterization of the synthesized polymers.
- In vitro biological assessments included enzymatic biodegradation, cell culture studies with bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), and macrophage inflammation tests.
- Nanoparticles were prepared using a nano-precipitation method, and protein release studies were conducted.
Main Results:
- Arg-Phe-PEAs were successfully synthesized and characterized, exhibiting water insolubility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
- Biodegradation rates were controllable by adjusting the arginine to phenylalanine ratio.
- Excellent cell attachment and proliferation of BAECs were observed on Arg-Phe-PEA surfaces.
- Arg-Phe-PEAs demonstrated significantly lower inflammatory responses compared to FDA-approved biomaterials.
- Arg-Phe-PEA nanoparticles (NPs) below 200 nm were formulated, showing enhanced protein encapsulation and modified release profiles due to arginine incorporation.
Conclusions:
- Arginine and phenylalanine-based poly(ester amide)s (Arg-Phe-PEAs) represent a promising new class of biomaterials.
- These polymers offer tunable biodegradation and excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
- The formulation of Arg-Phe-PEAs into nanoparticles enhances their utility for controlled protein delivery.
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