Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Graphene/tri-block copolymer composites prepared via RAFT polymerizations for dual controlled drug delivery via pH stimulation and biodegradation

Version 2 2024-06-06, 09:43
Version 1 2015-04-17, 11:32
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-06, 09:43 authored by Z Song, Y Xu, Wenrong YangWenrong Yang, L Cui, J Zhang, J Liu
A novel tri-block copolymer poly(oxopentanoate ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(pyridyl disulfide ethyl acrylate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol acrylate) [poly(OEMA-b-PDEA-b-PEGA)], retaining active keto groups and pyridyl disulfide (PDS) side functionalities, was synthesized as a drug delivery vehicle using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method. One mimic drug pyridine-2-thione (PT) was introduced into the monomer, PDEA for copolymerization. The other mimic drug O-benzylhydroxylamine (BHA) was conjugated with tri-block copolymer via efficient oxime coupling chemistry, followed by the attachment onto graphene via π-π stacking interaction to obtain a graphene/tri-block copolymer composite. 1H NMR, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to verify the successful step-wise preparation of the tri-block copolymer and drug loaded composite. In vitro release behaviors of BHA and PT from graphene/tri-block copolymer composite via dual drug release mechanisms were investigated. BHA can be released under acid environment, while PT will be released in the presence of reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol (DTT) or glutathione (GSH). It can be envisioned that this novel composite could be exploited as a novel intracellular drug delivery system via dual release mechanisms.

History

Journal

European Polymer Journal

Volume

69

Pagination

559-572

Location

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ISSN

0014-3057

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2015, Elsevier

Publisher

Elsevier