Cytocompatible Hyperbranched Polyesters Capable of Altering the Ca²⁺ Signaling in Neuronal Cells In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Hyperbranched polyesters offer unique properties for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
• Controlling polymer architecture is key to tailoring material performance.
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and trans-aconitic acid (TAA) are versatile building blocks for polyester synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel hyperbranched polyesters using PEG and TAA.
• To investigate the effect of molecular weight and reactant ratios on polyester properties.
• To evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of these polyesters, particularly in neuronal cells.

Main Methods:

• Polycondensation reaction between PEG of varying molecular weights and TAA.
• Spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, 1H NMR) for structure confirmation and branching determination.
• Morphological analysis (FESEM, TEM) and physicochemical property evaluation (hydrodynamic size, intrinsic viscosity, surface charge).

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of water-soluble hyperbranched polyesters with high yields.
• Branching percentages ranged from 22% to 73%, influenced by PEG molecular weight and TAA ratio.
• The most branched polyester (73%) exhibited core-shell morphology and enhanced Ca2+ influx in neuronal cells.
• All synthesized polyesters demonstrated cytocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Hyperbranched polyesters can be effectively synthesized using PEG and TAA, with tunable branching.
• The highest branched polyester shows promise for modulating Ca2+ signaling in neuronal cells.
• These materials warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders.