Abstract
To reduce nonspecific interactions and circumvent biological barriers, low-fouling material of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is most used for the modification of drug nanocarriers. Herein, we report the fabrication of PEG capsules via the free-radical polymerization of linear PEG or 8-arm-PEG using an emulsion templating method for targeted drug delivery. Doxorubicin (DOX) could be loaded in capsules via electrostatic interactions. The obtained capsules composed of 8-arm-PEG result in a lower cell association (2.2%) compared to those composed of linear PEG (7.3%) and, therefore, demonstrate the stealth property. The functionalization of cyclic peptides containing Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) on PEG capsules induce high cell targeting to U87 MG cells. A cell cytotoxicity assay demonstrates the biocompatibility of PEG capsules and high drug delivery efficacy of the targeted capsules. The reported capsules with the stealth and targeting property provide a potential platform for improved drug delivery.
Highlights
Traditional chemotherapy for cancer treatments could induce side effects because of the nonspecific distribution of drugs into normal tissues
LPEG capsules were prepared via the DMDES emulsion templating method
Monodisperse oil-in-water emulsion droplets could be prepared by the hydrolysis and concentration of DMDES
Summary
Traditional chemotherapy for cancer treatments could induce side effects because of the nonspecific distribution of drugs into normal tissues. In order to reduce nonspecific interactions with phagocytic cells and prolong the circulation time of the carriers, low-fouling materials have been used to modify the surface of the carriers [4,5,6]. Hydrophilic polymers, such as the mostly used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), endow the drug carriers with a low-fouling property because of the formation of a hydration layer on the carrier surfaces [7,8]. PEG-containing amphiphilic block copolymers can self-assemble into particles with stealth performance [9]. The morphology and size of self-assembled particles are difficult to control, and the preparation of block copolymers usually requires critical synthetic techniques
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