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pH-responsive polymeric nanoparticles with tunable sizes for targeted drug delivery
Mengle Kong1, Xinwen Peng1,2, Hao Cui1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Life Science, Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University Nanchang Jiangxi 330022 PR China xinwenpeng@jxnu.edu.cn.
RSC Advances
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Biodegradable cellulose nanoparticles were developed for drug delivery. These nanoparticles efficiently release anticancer drugs in acidic tumor environments, showing promise for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) are promising for intracellular imaging, nanocarriers, and drug delivery.
- Cellulose-based materials offer biocompatibility and biodegradability for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and prepare amphiphilic cellulose derivatives for nanoparticle fabrication.
- To investigate the drug-loading and release characteristics of these nanoparticles in tumor microenvironments.
Main Methods:
- Amphiphilic cellulose derivatives were synthesized via Schiff base reactions between 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and amino compounds.
- Polymeric NPs were formed through self-assembly of the synthesized macromolecules.
- Nanoparticle size was controlled by adjusting hydrophobic side-chain grafting.
- Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated, and its release profile was studied under different pH conditions.
Main Results:
- Facile fabrication of polymeric NPs from amphiphilic cellulose derivatives was achieved.
- Nanoparticle size distribution was tunable by modifying hydrophobic side-chain characteristics.
- Drug-loaded NPs demonstrated stability in neutral and alkaline conditions for over a month.
- Rapid and efficient drug release was observed in acidic (tumor) environments.
Conclusions:
- Amphiphilic cellulose derivative-based NPs are effective drug delivery vehicles.
- The pH-responsive drug release mechanism is suitable for targeting tumor microenvironments.
- These novel nanoparticles hold significant potential for advancing cancer therapy.
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