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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Synthesis of Stimuli-responsive Nanogels using Aqueous One-step Crosslinking and Co-nanopolymerization
Published on: January 24, 2025
Straightforward Access to Glycosylated, Acid Sensitive Nanogels by Host-Guest Interactions with Sugar-Modified
Peng Wei1,2, Justyna A Czaplewska1,2, Limin Wang1,2
1Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
The introduction of specific targeting units to polymer nanogels usually requires tedious chemical modifications, which limits flexibility in the design of combinatorial approaches. Here, we present a straightforward and versatile method to reversibly introduce various carbohydrate-based targeting units to a pH-sensitive nanogel via host-guest interactions. Glucose-, mannose-, or fructose-modified pillar[5]arenes can adaptably and conveniently be introduced to the surface of the nanogel. Binding studies between these nanogels and the lectin Concanavalin A revealed a high selectivity and strong interaction with only the mannose-modified nanogels. With the addition of other pillar[5]arenes, the interaction can be influenced proving a dynamic exchange of the targeting units. In comparison with common covalent modifications of polymer nanostructures, the presented combination of straightforward precipitation polymerization and supramolecular interactions promises convenient access to adaptable nanostructures for high-throughput screening of targeted delivery systems.
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