Preparation of hybrid triple-stimuli responsive nanogels based on poly(L-histidine)

Panayiotis Bilalis*, Spyridon Varlas, Aikaterini Kiafa, Athanassios Velentzas, Dimitrios Stravopodis, Hermis Iatrou

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    29 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    A series of novel multi-responsive disulfide cross-linked polypeptide nanogels has been synthesized by a one-step ring-opening polymerization process. The pH-responsive core of the prepared nanogels was based on poly(L-histidine), the difunctional N-carboxy anhydride of l-cystine (l-Cys-NCA) was used as a reduction-cleavable cross-linking agent, while the outer hydrophilic corona was comprised of a poly(ethylene oxide) block. Extensive molecular characterization studies were conducted in order to confirm the formation of the desired polymeric nanostructures and also to prove their responsiveness to external stimuli within the physiological values of healthy and cancer tissues. Furthermore, the disruption of the disulfide-bond linkages between the polymeric chains was achieved by the presence of the reductive tripeptide glutathione (GSH), leading to size variations that were monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). "Stealth" properties of the formed nanostructures were examined by zeta potential measurements. The described nanogels are clearly promising candidates for drug delivery applications.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)1278-1288
    Number of pages11
    JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry
    Volume54
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 1 2016

    Keywords

    • Nanoparticles
    • Poly(L-histidine)
    • Polypeptides
    • Redox chemistry
    • Ring-opening polymerization

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Polymers and Plastics
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Materials Chemistry

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