Targeting of a Thermosensitive Nanogel Copolymerized With Macromonomer for Cell Uptake and Drug Controlled Release

Abstract

In this study, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), propyl acrylic acid (PAAC), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-undecylenic acid) acrylamide were introduced to synthesize PNIPAAm-based nanogels (NG). The morphology of NG particles was characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanogels exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 34°C and a temperature-induced drug release in vitro. After conjugation of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)–containing peptide (GRGDS), the cellular uptake of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded nanogel by HeLa cells had been greatly enhanced. The Dox molecules in endocytosed nanogels could be released efficiently at 37°C and subsequently kill tumor cells, suggesting that the nanogel has great potential for targeting delivery.