Reactive Self‐Assembly and Specific Cellular Delivery of NCO‐sP(EO‐stat‐PO)‐Derived Nanogels

Abstract

This study presents the reactive self-assembly of isocyanate functional and amphiphilic six-arm, star-shaped polyether prepolymers in water into nanogels. Intrinsic molecular amphiphilicity, mainly driven by the isophorone moiety at the distal endings of the star-shaped molecules, allows for the preparation of spherical particles with an adjustable size of 100-200 nm by self-assembly and subsequent covalent cross-linking without the need for organic solvents or surfactants. Covalent attachment of a fluorescence dye and either the cell-penetrating TAT peptide or a random control peptide sequence shows that only TAT-labeled nanogels are internalized by HeLa cells. The nanogels thus specifically enter the cells and accumulate in the perinuclear area in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.

Exploring the Potential of Nanogels: From Drug Carriers to Radiopharmaceutical Agents

“…Functionalization also prolongs circulation in the bloodstream and may reduce immune response. [251] Various functional groups, such as peptides, [252] cell-adhesive ligands, [253] and aptamers [254] can be introduced to such nanogels. For instance, Lu et al developed ethylenediamine-grafted 𝛾-CDs cross-linked with gelatine, highly loaded with betulinic acid (BA) through CD cavity inclusion.…”

“…Functionalization also prolongs circulation in the bloodstream and may reduce immune response. [ 251 ] Various functional groups, such as peptides, [ 252 ] cell‐adhesive ligands, [ 253 ] and aptamers [ 254 ] can be introduced to such nanogels. For instance, Lu et al.…”