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Surface Functionalization of Polymer Particles for Cell Targeting by Modifying Emulsifier Chemistry
Christopher Isely1, Kidochukwu J Atube1, Candice V Cheung2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method to modify polymer particles for drug delivery by attaching biomolecules to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). This surface functionalization enhances particle interactions with biological systems, improving drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Oil-in-water emulsion/solvent extraction is a common method for fabricating FDA-approved polymer particles for drug delivery.
- Current formulations lack surface functionalization due to limitations in tuning particle surface chemistry.
- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a widely used emulsifier in these formulations and remains on the particle surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of conjugating biomolecules to PVA's hydroxyl groups using isothiocyanate chemistry.
- To functionalize the surface of polymer particles for enhanced drug delivery applications.
- To explore a facile method for modifying the surface reactivity of widely used polymer particles.
Main Methods:
- Covalent attachment of fluorescein isothiocyanate and an isothiocyanate-derivatized mannose molecule to PVA in a one-step reaction.
- Fabrication of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) particles using modified and unmodified PVA as emulsifiers.
- Characterization of particle surface properties and biological interactions, including fluorescence imaging and Concanavalin A binding assays.
Main Results:
- Modified PVA polymers effectively acted as emulsifiers, comparable to unmodified PVA.
- Particles fabricated with fluorescein-modified PVA showed surface-confined fluorescence.
- Particles made with mannose-modified PVA demonstrated binding to Concanavalin A and a three-fold increase in association with primary macrophages.
Conclusions:
- A facile and effective method for surface functionalization of polymer particles using isothiocyanate chemistry on PVA was established.
- This approach allows for the covalent attachment of various biomolecules, enabling tailored particle interactions.
- The developed method holds significant potential for advancing PVA-based biomaterials in drug delivery and engaging diverse biological systems.
