Lactide Copolymers Research Articles

Copolymerization of lactide with functional epoxide as a way to the polymer network with dually active tetraphenylethane groups

A polylactide (PLA)-based network was prepared using functional PLA bearing pendant benzophenone (BP) groups capable of reacting between themselves. Benzophenone functional groups were introduced into PLA-based macromolecules through lactide cationic copolymerization with a pre-prepared epoxide derivative. A low molecular weight copolymer (Mn ∼3000) with a low fraction of the epoxide (∼20 mol.%) and on average of three pendant benzophenone groups was obtained. This copolymer was further coupled using aliphatic diisocyanate to achieve a threefold increase in molecular weight. The resulting copolymer was subjected to UV irradiation in solution to produce a crosslinked film through the linking reaction between benzophenone moieties, forming tetraphenylethane (TPE) thermally reversible groups as crosslinks. The PLA-based network with reversibly forming crosslinks was analyzed through rheology investigations, which indicated its dynamic character. Independently of the original method of preparing the dynamic network with not explored so far reversible groups, TPE groups were utilized as the initiating groups for the exemplary vinyl monomer polymerization, namely acrylonitrile. It was demonstrated that new polymer chains could be easily introduced inside the PLA-based polymer network through network heating in the presence of a vinyl monomer. This demonstrates the development of a new approach to PLA-based dynamic network modification, providing an additional possibility for the preparation of novel PLA-based materials.

Synthesis and characterization of amino-functional polyesters composed of lactic acids and serine amino acids

Functional polyesters with good biocompatibility are always important biomaterials. In this study, poly (latide-co-N-trityl serine ester)s (P (LA-co-TSL)s) were synthesized through the copolymerization of lactide (LA) and N-trityl serine lactone (TSL) in toluene under 90 °C with the catalysis of diethylzinc. The molecular weight (Mn) of P (LA-co-TSL) with different TSL molar ratios (4.5%, 8.8%, 25.2%, 41.7% and 100 mol%) ranged from 3.7 kDa to 7.2 kDa with the polydipersity index (PDI) from 1.40 to 1.57. The chemical structure of poly (LA-co-TSL)s was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. As the proportion of TSL in P (LA-co-TSL) increased, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of P (LA-co-TSL) increased gradually, from 56 °C of PLA to 161 °C of Poly (TSL). The initial weitht loss temperature of P (LA-co-TSL) increased as the ratio of TSL increased, from 172 °C of PLA to 230 °C of Poly (TSL). Upon removal of the N-trityl protecting group, amino functional poly (latide-co-serine ester) (P (LA-co-SL)) was realized and confirmd by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. GPC displayed approximately 19.5% polyester backbone degradation during deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid. DSC analysis illustrated better crystallization properties of the copolyester after amino group deprotection. Using mPEG as an initiator, a new type of block copolymer, mPEG-b-poly (latide-co-N-trityl serine ester)s (mPEG-b-P (LA-co-TSL)s), was obtained. After N-trityl removal, mPEG-b-P (LA-co-TSL) displayed excellent cytocompatibility in L929 cell culture experiments.

Lactide oligomers modified with linear polyethyleneimine for antibacterial coatings

Antibacterial polylactide film composed of commercial PLA and block copolymer of lactide and linear polyethyleneimine (L-PEI) has been prepared. To observe complete inhibition of bacterial growth only 1.1 wt% of linear L-PEI is required.

Nerve Capping Techniques for Neuroma Management: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Nerve capping is a method of neuroma treatment or prevention that consists of the transplantation of a proximal nerve stump into an autograft or other material cap, after surgical removal of the neuroma or transection of the nerve. The aim was to reduce neuroma formation and symptoms by preventing neuronal adhesions and scar tissue. In this narrative literature review, we summarize the studies that have investigated the effectiveness of nerve capping for neuroma management to provide clarity and update the clinician's knowledge on the topic. A systematic electronic search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria was performed in the PubMed database combining "neuroma," "nerve," "capping," "conduit," "treatment," "management," "wrap," "tube," and "surgery" as search terms. English-language clinical studies on humans and animals that described nerve capping as a treatment/prevention technique for neuromas were then selected based on a full-text article review. The data from the included studies were compiled based on the technique and material used for nerve capping, and technique and outcomes were reviewed. We found 10 applicable human studies from our literature search. Several capping materials were described: epineurium, nerve, muscle, collagen nerve conduit, Neurocap (synthetic copolymer of lactide and caprolactone, which is biocompatible and resorbable), silicone rubber, and collagen. Overall, 146 patients were treated in the clinical studies. After surgery, many patients were completely pain-free or had considerable improvement in pain scores, whereas some patients did not have improvement or were not satisfied after the procedure. Nerve capping was used in 18 preclinical animal studies, using a variety of capping materials including autologous tissues, silicone, and synthetic nanofibers. Preclinical studies demonstrated successful reduction in rates of neuroma formation. Nerve capping has undergone major advancements since its beginnings and is now a useful option for the treatment or prevention of neuromas. As knowledge of peripheral nerve injuries and neuroma prevention grows, the criterion standard neuroprotective material for enhancement of nerve regeneration can be identified and applied to produce reliable surgical outcomes.

Metal Complexes in the Synthesis of Biodegradable Polymers: Achievements and Prospects.

This review describes recent advances in the synthesis of homopolymers of lactide and related cyclic esters via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) in the presence of metal complexes based on group 1, 2, 4, 12, 13 and 14 metals. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the initiator structure on the properties of the obtaining homo- and copolymers. Also, a separate chapter is devoted to the study of metal complexes in the synthesis of copolymers of lactide and lactones. This review highlights the efforts made over the last ten years or so, and shows how main-group metals have received increasing attention in the field of the polymerization of lactide and related cyclic esters.

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Polylactides Containing Acetal Units.

New functionalized lactide copolymers containing acetal units were prepared for the first time in a controlled manner that enabled the regulation of the number of reactive groups introduced into the polyester chain. The presence of functional groups in the copolymer backbone provided chemical modification sites, and the nature of the acetal unit affected the material degradability. First, paraformaldehyde was reacted with selected diols containing reactive pendant groups (3-allyloxypropane-1,2-diol and 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol), which was catalyzed by p-toluenesulfonic acid, to synthesize new cyclic acetals with different functionalities (allyl- or chloro-). In addition, using butane-1,4-diol, a nonfunctionalized seven-membered cyclic acetal (dioxepane) was obtained for comparative studies. In the next step, the prepared cyclic acetals were used for cationic copolymerization with lactide in the presence of glycol as an initiator and triflic acid as a catalyst. Different temperatures (-15, 2, and 30 °C) and copolymerization times (24, 48, 72, and 192 h) were investigated to produce copolyesters with variable contents of acetal units in the range of 5-27%. The copolymers' structure and molar masses were carefully investigated using 1H, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, and size-exclusion chromatography. Moreover, the ability of functionalized copolymers to perform post modifications was also proven by the reaction with sodium azide and propanethiol. Finally, we speculate that structurally diverse groups can be attached to the copolyester chain, fine-tuning the on-demand properties, which could rapidly expand the library of polylactide-based materials.

Influence of Molecular Weight on the Enzymatic Degradation of PLA Isomer Blends by a Langmuir System.

Polylactides (PLAs) and lactide copolymers are biodegradable, compostable, and derived from renewable resources, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic polymers owing to their advantages of comparable mechanical properties with commodity plastics and biodegradability. Their hydrolytic stability and thermal properties can affect their potential for long-lasting applications. However, stereocomplex crystallization is a robust method between isomer PLAs that allows significant amelioration in copolymer properties, such as thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, through substantial intermolecular interactions amid l-lactyl and d-lactyl sequences, which have been the key approach to initial degradation rate and further PLA applications. It was demonstrated that the essential parameters affecting stereocomplexation are the mixing ratio and the chain length of each unit sequence. This study deals with the molecular weight, one of the specific interactions between isomers of PLAs. A solution polymerization method was applied to control molecular weight and chain architecture. The stereocomplexation was monitored with DSC. It was confirmed that the lower molecular weight polymer showed a higher degradation rate, as a hydrolyzed fragment having a molecular weight below a certain length dissolves into the water. To systematically explore the critical contribution of molecular weights, the Langmuir system was used to observe the stereocomplexation effect and the overall degradation rate.

Renewable triblock copolymers of polylactide and polyether polyol: degradation behaviors of their monolayers and films

Bio-based monomers appear to be more attractive and increasingly important due to their potential to reduce the environmental impact of traditional petrochemical-based polymer production. This study deals with the synthesis, characterization, and degradation of triblock copolymers containing polylactide (PLA) and bio-based polyether polyol. Although the glass transition and melting temperature of copolymers decrease with polyether polyol content, copolymerization of lactide with the polyether polyol shows slower enzymatic degradation behavior than PLA itself by using both Langmuir monolayers and thin films. Overall, controlling the degradation of biodegradable polymers is useful for the commodity industries because it provides a sustainable and customizable solution.

Investigation of Lyophilized Microspheres Loaded with Leuprolide Acetate

Abstract: Leuprolide acetate (LA) - a nonapeptide, used for the treatment of some hormone-depending diseases, is unstable and very susceptible to degradation in the aqueous media. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is a copolymer of lactide and glycolide, that has generated tremendous interest in pharmaceutics because of their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. PLGA is used for the preparation of biocompatible biodegradable extended-release microspheres. However, the PLGA undergoes hydrolytic degradation in an aqueous environment through cleavage of its backbone ester linkages. As a consequence, PLGA-based microspheres loaded with LA are usually lyophilized to ensure the stability of LA and PGLA and reduce agglomeration, sedimentation, and size change of microspheres during storage. The aim of this present study is to evaluate the influence of lyoprotectants namely mannitol, trehalose, lactose, and saccharose on the stability of LA and characteristics of PLGA-based microspheres loaded with LA upon lyophilization. DSC and FTIR were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of LA and lyoprotectants. The results showed that there was no incompatibility between the LA and lyoprotectants. Mannitol solution 1.25% was used in freeze-drying PLGA-based microspheres loaded with LA. The obtained lyophilized microspheres had a good appearance and low moisture. Lyophilized microspheres after reconstitution had no significant change in drug content, size, and size distribution in comparison to that before freeze-drying.
 Keywords: Leuprolide acetate, PGLA, lyophilized, stability, biodegradable microspheres.
 

Functionalization of Polylactide with Multiple Tetraphenyethane Inifer Groups to Form PLA Block Copolymers with Vinyl Monomers

In the present contribution, a new strategy for preparing block copolymers of polylactide (PLA), a bio-derived polymer of increasing importance, is described. The method should lead to multiblock copolymers of lactide with vinyl monomers (VM), i.e., monomers that polymerize according to different mechanisms, and is based on the introduction of multiple "inifer" (INItiator/transFER agent) groups into PLA's structure. As an "inifer" group, tetraphenylethane (TPE, known to easily thermally dissociate to radicals) was incorporated into PLA chains using diisocyanate. PLA that contained TPE groups (PLA-PU) was characterized, and its ability to form initiating radicals was demonstrated by ESR measurements. PLA-PU was used as a "macroinifer" for the polymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene upon moderate heating (85 °C) of the PLA-PU in the presence of monomers. The formation of block copolymers PLA/PVM was confirmed by 1H NMR, DOSY NMR, and FTIR spectroscopies and the SEC method. The prepared copolymers showed only one glass transition in DSC curves with Tg values higher than those of PLA-PU.

Catalysts as Key Enablers for the Synthesis of Bioplastics with Sophisticated Architectures.

Bioplastics are one of the answers to environmental pollution and linear material flows. The most promising bioplastic polylactide (PLA) is already replacing conventional plastics in a number of applications. The properties of PLA, however, do not fit for all potential application areas, but they can be altered by the introduction of comonomers. The copolymerization of lactide (LA) with other lactones like ϵ-caprolactone (CL) has been established for several years. Nevertheless, controlling copolymerizations remains a challenge due to the high complexity of the system. Copolymerization of LA with other monomer classes is much less investigated, but has the chance to overcome the limitations in material properties that occur when only lactones are used. The crucial factor for all copolymerizations is the catalyst. It dominates the reaction kinetics and determines the resulting microstructure. In this review, copolymerization catalysts for LA are presented divided into catalysts for the synthesis of lactone block copolymers, lactone random copolymers, and multimechanistically synthesized copolymers. The selected catalysts are highlighted either owing to their industrially applicable polymerization conditions or their non-standard mechanism.

Can magnetisation transfer magnetic resonance imaging help for the follow-up of synthetic hernia composite meshes fate? A pilot study.

This study aims at evaluating the non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technic to visualize a synthetic composite hernia mesh using a rodent model and to document the integration of this device over 4months. Uncoated polyethylene terephthalate mesh and synthetic composite mesh-faced on the visceral side with a chemically engineered layer of copolymer of glycolide, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, and lactide to minimize tissue attachment-were placed intraperitoneally in rats, facing the caecum previously scraped to promote petechial bleeding and subsequent adhesions. Meshes fate follow-up was performed 4, 10, and 16-weeks post-implantation using a rodent dedicated high field MRI. Magnetization transfer (MT) images were acquired, associated with pneumoperitonealMRI performed after intraperitoneal injection of 8mL gas to induce mechanical stress on the abdominal wall. Uncoated meshes were clearly visible using both T2-weighted and MT imaging during the whole study while composite meshes conspicuity was not so evident on T2-weighted MRI and could be improved using MT imaging. Adhesions and collagen infiltration were massive for the uncoated meshes as expected. On the contrary, composite meshes showed very limited adhesion, and, if any, occurring at the edge of the mesh, starting at the fixation points. Magnetization transfer imaging allows to detect mesh integration and, associated with pneumoperitoneum, was able to probe the effective minimizing effect of the synthetic polymeric barrier on visceral attachments. However, magnetization transfer imaging could not unambiguously allow the visualization of the mesh through the polymeric barrier.

An environmentally adaptable stereocomplex derived from lactide copolymers with improved UV shielding characteristics based on morphological changes

This work attempted to fabricate biodegradable copolyester films that gradually adopt UV shielding characteristics based on changes in crystallinity resulting from the effects of temperature and humidity. The goal was to develop a novel UV shielding material capable of actively regulating the passage of UV radiation solely due to morphological changes rather than the addition of compounds such as TiO2 or Fe2O3. The other aim was to obtain a polymer that would undergo hydrolysis after use to allow ready disposal. A biodegradable polymer with improved thermal and mechanical properties was fabricated by preparing a series of stereocomplex (St) specimens from optically active polymers. Films of these specimens were evaluated over time to assess UV transmittance, crystallinity and molecular structure while aging at 35 °C and a relative humidity of 85%. A series of St samples was made by combining poly(l-lactide(LA)-ran-trimethylene carbonate (TMC)) and poly(D-LA-ran-TMC) copolymers having various LA/TMC molar ratios. St specimens made with ratios of 91/9 and 92/8 in the two copolymers or both having an 88/12 ratio showed higher crystallinity than the original random copolymers. The crystallization of each St gradually increased during 20 weeks of storage at 35 °C and 85% relative humidity with simultaneous reductions in UV transmittance. The St composed of poly(L-LA-ran-TMC) (80/20) and poly(D-LA-ran-TMC) (81/19) was less crystalline and so it crystallized more rapidly during storage, similar to the original random copolymers. The St films composed of the random copolymers degraded more slowly than poly(L-LA-ran-TMC) with proteinase K.

Obtaining Biocompatible Porous Composite Material Based on Zinc-Modified Hydroxyapatite and Lactide-Glycolide Copolymer

The development of surgery in the field of bone tissue reconstruction provides a stable demand for new materials for implants. Of particular interest are materials based on hydroxyapatite, which are close in chemical composition to the elemental composition and structure of bone and have similar biologically active properties. In this work, the regularities of the formation of new composite materials based on a zinc-modified hydroxyapatite framework coated with a copolymer of lactide and glycolide were revealed for the first time. The aim of this work was to obtain porous composite materials based on zinc-modified hydroxyapatite and a copolymer of lactide and glycolide with properties suitable for use as a material for bone implants. The phase and elemental composition of the composites was studied by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray spectral microanalysis. Regularities have been established between the surface properties and the composition of materials, as well as their biocompatibility, determined using monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood. The antibacterial activity of the materials against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was determined.

3D-Printed Reinforcement Scaffolds with Targeted Biodegradation Properties for the Tissue Engineering of Articular Cartilage.

Achieving regeneration of articular cartilage is challenging due to the low healing capacity of the tissue. Appropriate selection of cell source, hydrogel, and scaffold materials are critical to obtain good integration and long-term stability of implants in native tissues. Specifically, biomechanical stability and in vivo integration can be improved if the rate of degradation of the scaffold material matches the stiffening of the sample by extracellular matrix secretion of the encapsulated cells. To this end, a novel 3D-printed lactide copolymer is presented as a reinforcement scaffold for an enzymatically crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel. In this system, the biodegradable properties of the reinforced scaffold are matched to the matrix deposition of articular chondrocytes embedded in the hydrogel. The lactide reinforcement provides stability to the soft hydrogel in the early stages, allowing the composite to be directly implanted in vivo with no need for a preculture period. Compared to pure cellular hydrogels, maturation and matrix secretion remain unaffected by the reinforced scaffold. Furthermore, excellent biocompatibility and production of glycosaminoglycans and collagens are observed at all timepoints. Finally, in vivo subcutaneous implantation in nude mice shows cartilage-like tissue maturation, indicating the possibility for the use of these composite materials in one-step surgical procedures.

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Gallium Schiff‐base Complexes in the Ring‐Opening Homo‐ and Copolymerization of Cyclic Esters

AbstractTetranuclear Ga(III) complexes L1–32Ga4(t‐Bu)8 1–3 are synthesized and characterized (elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 13C, DOSY NMR spectroscopy, XRD) and their activity in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA) and ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) is reported. Complex 1 is the most active homopolymerization catalyst in the presence of benzyl alcohol (BnOH), yielding isotactic‐enriched polylactides (PLAs) with Pm (probably of mesomerism) values up to 0.72 by a first order kinetic with respect to the monomer concentration. The living character of the polymerization process was confirmed by a polymerization resumption experiment. Complexes 1–3 are also active catalysts in the copolymerization of LA and ϵ‐CL, and sequential addition of both monomers gave well‐defined block copolymers with narrow Đ values (distributions of molecular weight).

Nanoformulations of Drugs Based on Biodegradable Lactide Copolymers with Various Molecular Structures and Architectures

Modern pharmaceutics are actively developing towards the design of targeted drugs. The development of selectively acting formulations requires the creation of smart delivery systems based on carriers that would first find the target cells and enter them and then release the active substance locally. Nanoparticles of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers can be effectively used as such carriers. Flexible regulation of the molecular structure and architecture of polymers, as well as the modification of nanoparticles with vector molecules, allows one to construct carrier particles for the development of nanoformulations for active agents of various nature. This review presents the main approaches to the design of nanoformulations for targeted delivery, describes the methods for the preparation and study of nanoparticles based on hydrophobic and amphiphilic biodegradable lactide polymers, and discusses the effect of the molecular structure and preparation conditions on the characteristics of nanoparticles in detail. Some results of research in this area of the Kurchatov complex of NBIСS nature-like technologies are also presented.

The role of high-resolution ultrasonic examination in the analysis of the structure and causes of complications after cosmetological thread implantation into the face and neck soft tissues

Objective The goal is to optimize the diagnosis of complications after thread implantation using high-resolution ultrasound (US).Material and Methods The study design included the formation of twelve sample comparison groups. Inclusion criteria for the group: women without evident somatic pathology after cosmetic implantation in various periods after the procedure. The difference between the groups was in the chemical composition of the material (L-lactic acid, polydiaxanone, copolymer of L-actide with ԑ-caprolactone, polypropylene, polyester fiber in a silicone sheath, metal), complaints (the presence of amyctic, the presence of overcorrection, the absence of complaints), the period of time after implantation (up to 6 months, from 6 to 12 months, more than a year). Then ultrasound was performed, 33 qualitative and 7 quantitative indicators were analyzed. The study involved 93 women aged 29 to 65 years after the thread implantation. The circulation period varied from 3 days to 20 years.Results An analysis of the relationship between quantitative and qualitative features revealed statistically significant connections between the presence of an acoustic shadow and threads of polylactic acid and polypropylene, the presence of reverberation, and the metal – gold (p < 0.0001). Relationships were established between polyester fibers in a silicone sheath with complaints of inflammation, the presence of edema during examination, perifocal edema around the thread during ultrasound (p < 0.0001). The difference was also found between the diameter of the thread in the group of patients examined up to 6 months and the group in the period 6–12 months after implantation (p < 0.0001), as well as the group up to 6 months and more than a year (p = 0.0033).Conclusion The presence of an acoustic shadow, a thread diameter of more than 1 mm are ultrasound signs of fibrotic changes around the thread. The characteristic echographic signs of inflammation around the thread will be a zone of reduced echoicity, corresponding to perifocal edema. Hypercorrection is a consequence of fibrotic changes development around the thread.

Nanocarriers based on block copolymers of l-proline and lactide: The effect of core crosslinking versus its pH-sensitivity on their cellular uptake

Although doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective drug with cytotoxicity against a variety of different tumors, it also induces undesired side-effects to the healthy tissues. Therefore, the smart nanocarrier-based systems are the solution for this problem due to the entrapment of the drug in the stimuli-responsive, polymeric core. This allows to decrease the toxicity of the DOX and allows for the delivery of DOX precisely to the tumor sites. Herein, we present such a smart nanoparticle platform composed of stimuli-responsive copolymers of l,l-lactide/d,d-lactide with l-proline, which were successfully synthesized through the combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. These copolymers were used for the preparation of enantiomeric and stereocomplexed nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean diameter of about 160–210 nm that were used as a reservoir of the anticancer drug. The drug release results showed that (co)polymeric NPs possess an excellent pH-sensitive behavior under the acidic tumor microenvironment, however, it was less pronounced for NPs cross-linked by stereocomplexation between poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) PDLA chains. Additionally, the DOX-loaded NPs were effective against AGS, HeLa, and Lovo cells, nevertheless, their cytotoxicity strongly depends on the building blocks of the nanocarrier. Interestingly, the l-proline functionality enhances the cellular uptake of enantiomeric NPs, nonetheless, the high stability of NPs due to the supramolecular crosslinking of PLA macromolecules prevails over this effect and stereocomplexed NPs were better internalized by the cancer cells. These advantageous features indicate that stereocomplexed (sc), (co)polymeric NPs are promising candidates as a smart and versatile nanocarrier platform for the treatment of different types of tumors.

PH-tunable nanoparticles composed of copolymers of lactide and allyl-glycidyl ether with various functionalities for the efficient delivery of anti-cancer drugs

The designing of biocompatible nanocarriers for the efficient delivery of their cargos to the desired targets remains a challenge. In this regard, the most promising strategy relies on the construction of pH- or thermo-responsive nanoparticles (NPs). However, it is also important to preserve the balance between the responsiveness of the carrier and their stability in physiological conditions. Therefore, we described a new family of copolymers of lactide and allyl-glycidyl ether which were subsequently modified by thiol-ene reaction to functionalize the resulting copolymer with acetylcysteine (ACC) or thioglycolic acid (tGA) moieties. Subsequently, these copolymers were used to obtain blank and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded NPs with an average diameter of about 50−100 nm. Interestingly, the NPs were stable in different pH conditions, however, the presence of ACC or tGA units in the polymeric chain allows for the reduction of the undesired burst release due to the supramolecular interactions between polymeric pedant groups and DOX. The release tests of DOX from NPs showed that DOX release rate decrease depending on the pH values and the copolymer functionalization in order of non-modified NPs > ACC-modified NPs > tGA functionalized NPs. Most importantly, the MTT assay showed that all blank NPs are non-toxic against the normal L929 cell line. Subsequently, the antitumor efficiency of the obtained NPs was tested towards L929 (murine fibroblast cell line), HeLa (cervical cancer), and AGS (human gastric adenocarcinoma cancer) cells. The results demonstrated that DOX-loaded NPs efficiently induce the reduction in the viability of the HeLa and AGS cell, and this reduction in the viability was even below 20 % for the AGS cells. Together with their biocompatibility, the obtained NPs offer a novel route for the preparation of nanocarriers for the controlled and efficient delivery of anticancer drugs.