Effect of Precursor Structure on Unibody Core-Shell Properties and the in-vitro Study of a Dual Anti-drug/ Drug System

Abstract

Abstract This work was concerned with the modification of a new type of functional innovative platform termed unibody core-shell (UCS). UCS is comprised of two covalent-bonded polymers differing only in the functional groups present in the core and the shell. This work used two approaches, first, the precursor that is polymerized to produce the shell was altered and compared in terms of particle morphology and size as well as pH-selective release of active agents, measure via Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence assay respectively. Three precursors were investigated (1,3-phenylenediamine, 3-aminophenol alcohol or 3-aminobenzyl alcohol) with different structure and pendant group arrangement for particle fabrication and pH-selectivity. These particles were investigated for pH response to achieve selective drug release between pH 3 and 11 first using rhodamine 6G (R6G). The amount of R6G molecules released were found under acidic conditions with a pH of 3.0 giving the most. Of the three precursors, 1,3-phenylenediamine gave the best pH-selectivity and particle morphology. Therefore, was taken forward to the second approach, which was the inclusion of the drug / anti-drug (Doxorubicin / Crocin) combination. The fabricated drug / anti-drug particles possessed spherical shape and were pH-selective release in acidic conditions of both Doxorubicin and Crocin. Thus, this system will be able to protect against the cardiotoxicity effects of Doxorubicin.