Multicomponent Micelles with Boosted Stability of Iminoboronates

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) create multifunctional materials, but iminoboronate chemistry's instability limits biomedical use.
• Poor kinetic stability in aqueous and CO2-rich environments hinders iminoboronate-based smart biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the stability and biomedical applicability of iminoboronate linkages.
• To explore supramolecular confinement as a strategy for stabilizing kinetically labile MCR-derived linkages.

Main Methods:

• Embedding iminoboronate linkages within supramolecular micellar assemblies.
• Modulating kinetic behaviors through nanoconfinement and hydrophobic microenvironments.
• Constructing multicomponent supramolecular micelles using diverse amine derivatives and natural polyphenols.

Main Results:

• Supramolecular confinement effectively stabilized iminoboronate moieties by restricting water accessibility.
• Assembly-dependent and environment-regulated stability was achieved, overcoming inherent kinetic instability.
• Multifunctional micelles co-loaded with doxorubicin and epigallocatechin gallate showed synergistic therapeutic effects in cancer models.

Conclusions:

• Supramolecular confinement is a viable strategy to stabilize kinetically labile MCR-derived linkages.
• This approach significantly expands the biomedical potential of iminoboronate chemistry.
• Developed micelles demonstrated efficacy in suppressing tumor recurrence and promoting wound healing.