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Dual Functional Microcapsule based on Monodisperse Short PEG Amphiphile for Drug Encapsulation and Protein Affinity
Rohit N Ketkar1, Paritosh Dey1, Triveni Sodnawar2
1Department of Speciality Chemicals Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400019, India.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|March 15, 2024
Summary
A novel amphiphile self-assembles into switchable structures for drug delivery. These structures encapsulate curcumin and release it in response to proteins, showing potential for targeted drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Designing stimuli-responsive materials is crucial for advanced drug delivery systems.
- Self-assembled nanostructures offer versatile platforms for encapsulating therapeutic agents.
- Controlled release mechanisms are essential for targeted and effective drug administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel neutral amphiphile, TEG-BTA-2, for stimuli-responsive self-assembly.
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior and morphology changes of TEG-BTA-2 in aqueous media.
- To evaluate the potential of TEG-BTA-2 self-assemblies for drug encapsulation and protein-triggered release.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of tetraethylene glycol (TEG) covalently attached to benzothiazole dye (BTA-2).
- Characterization of self-assembly into microspheres and subsequent morphology change to microcapsules.
- Encapsulation of curcumin within the microcapsules and assessment of drug loading.
- Investigation of drug release kinetics triggered by bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein.
- Cellular uptake studies using A549 cells and fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- The neutral amphiphile TEG-BTA-2 was successfully synthesized (<500 D).
- TEG-BTA-2 self-assembled into microspheres, which switched to rice-like microcapsules for curcumin encapsulation.
- Curcumin-loaded microcapsules demonstrated stability in aqueous solution but disintegrated upon BSA addition, indicating protein-affinity-controlled release.
- Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the internalization of TEG-BTA-2 into A549 cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed TEG-BTA-2 amphiphile forms switchable self-assembled structures suitable for drug encapsulation.
- Protein-triggered release of encapsulated curcumin offers a potential mechanism for targeted drug delivery.
- The cellular uptake of TEG-BTA-2 highlights its promise as a molecular vehicle for targeted drug delivery and monitoring.
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