A general orthogonal functionalization strategy for tailoring zwitterionic polymers with adjustable isoelectric...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Zwitterionic polymers offer significant potential in biomedical and engineering fields.
• Tunable isoelectric points (IEPs) are crucial for controlling surface charge, biocompatibility, and biomacromolecule interactions.
• Existing zwitterionic polymers have fixed ion pairs, limiting adjustable IEPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general strategy for tailoring zwitterionic polymers with adjustable IEPs.
• To synthesize zwitterionic polymers with customizable ion pairs for enhanced bio-applications.
• To create self-assembling nanoparticles with tunable surface charge properties.

Main Methods:

• An orthogonal functionalization strategy using sequence-controlled alternating polyesters.
• Synthesis via aza-Michael addition and thiol-ene reactions for precise cation and anion sequencing.
• Formation of block copolyesters with polycaprolactone for self-assembly into nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized zwitterionic polymers with customizable ion pairs and tunable IEPs (e.g., 6.03, 6.37, 6.54).
• Demonstrated nanoparticle self-assembly with pH-responsive surface-charge-reversal properties.
• Achieved significant inhibition of murine melanoma tumors in vivo using curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (PPS3) with optimal IEPs.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach enables the creation of zwitterionic polymers with precisely controlled IEPs.
• These polymers can self-assemble into nanoparticles with tunable properties for drug delivery.
• The findings show promise for developing biocompatible and biodegradable drug delivery systems for potential clinical use.