Nanoparticles Based on Novel Carbohydrate-Functionalized Polymers.

Cláudia D Raposo,M Teresa Barros,Cristiano A Conceição

doi:10.3390/molecules25071744

Cláudia D Raposo, M Teresa Barros + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071744

Copy DOI

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery systems in healthcare. For this purpose poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) offer an excellent polymeric matrix. In this work, PLGA and PEG polymers were functionalized with coumarin and carbohydrate moieties such as thymidine, glucose, galactose, and mannose that have high biological specificities. Using a single oil in water emulsion methodology, functionalized PLGA nanoparticles were prepared having a smooth surface and sizes ranging between 114–289 nm, a low polydispersity index and a zeta potential from −28.2 to −56.0 mV. However, for the corresponding PEG derivatives the polymers obtained were produced in the form of films due to the small size of the hydrophobic core.

Highlights

Described as the manipulation of atomic matter, nanotechnology was described theoretically in the 1960s by Richard Feynman, and the practice emerged a decade later
Due to the high rate of tissue accumulation, that can result in toxicity problems, nanoparticles that cannot be degraded by the body are not as popular and attractive as biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) [7,8]
Our synthetic strategy began with the preparation of ligands that would be bonded to poly(ethylene poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers

Summary

Introduction

Described as the manipulation of atomic matter, nanotechnology was described theoretically in the 1960s by Richard Feynman, and the practice emerged a decade later. After Taniguchi’s, Drexler’s, and other scientist’s valuable contributions, nanomedicine has developed [1,2] and recently, the three main applications of nanomedicine are in tissue engineering, nanoprobes, and nanoparticles for drug delivery. Suitable nanoparticles are capable of transporting drugs in a targeted manner to a specific tissue, cell or organ, minimizing the toxic effects and high therapeutic doses inherent in most current pharmacological treatments [3,4,5]. Recent advances in drug encapsulation and/or delivery of nanoparticles have demonstrated the enormous potential that these nanomaterials can have in healthcare, and their ability to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of an active ingredient, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reducing the toxicity to patients [6]. Due to the high rate of tissue accumulation, that can result in toxicity problems, nanoparticles that cannot be degraded by the body are not as popular and attractive as biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) [7,8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion