End-Chain Fluorescent Highly Branched Poly(l-lactide)s: Synthesis, Architecture-Dependence, and Fluorescent Visible Paclitaxel-Loaded Microspheres

Abstract

A facile method in combination of “grafting from” and “end-functionalization” was developed for the synthesis of fluorescent highly branched poly­(l-lactide)­s (PLLA-COU) via ring opening polymerization (ROP) and esterification end-capping. These resulting PLLA-COU with four kinds of architectures, including linear, star, linear-comb, and star-comb structures, were subjected to characterization and application as fluorescent visible paclitaxel-loaded microspheres. The mutual effects of architecture and end-groups on thermal and fluorescence properties, enzymatic degradation, and drug release behaviors were focused. Contrast to linear and star PLLA-COU, two comb-shaped analogues demonstrated higher fluorescence quantum yield, faster drug release, and lower enzymatic degradation rate. All the fluorescent microspheres could maintain fluorescence traceability. The fluorescent PLLA-COU displayed negligible toxicity and good biocompatibility. This work highlights that the fluorescent highly branched poly­(l-lactide)­s are properties-tailored and used as fluorescent visible drug delivery systems (DDS) for potential theranostic applications.

Star-Shaped Polylactide Dipyridamole Conjugated to 5-Fluorouracil and 4-Piperidinopiperidine Nanocarriers for Bioimaging and Dual Drug Delivery in Cancer Cells

“…Fluorescent star-shaped biopolymer nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising smart biosensors in the field of drug delivery 1,2 and tissue engineering. 3 Star-shaped polymers have unique globular shapes and possess alluring properties such as low viscosity 4 hydrodynamic volume, 5 increased hydrophilicity, better stability, and high encapsulation capacity compared to their linear counterparts. Fluorescent probe-based nondestructive screening of live cells has gained growing interest in the field of ratiometric bioimaging.…”