Conditions in inflamed tissues can be used as a trigger that activates logic-gate nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are composed of a polythioether-ketal that is oxidized by reactive oxygen species at its thioether moieties to form a more hydrophilic polymer that upon this hydration process can now undergo acid catalyzed degradation of the polyketal moieties. This allows the particles to stay intact in normal healthy conditions and only degrade when the two stimuli occur in tandem as in inflamed tissues. Encapsulated Nile Red proved the hydrophilicity change upon oxidation as it showed a hypochromic shift of its fluorescence. The degradation was confirmed by dynamic light scattering measurements that showed that the nanoparticles disappeared within 24hrs. Encapsulated proteins showed complete release only when subjected to low pH and H2O2. Cell studies showed cytoplasmic release of the encapsulated protein in macrophages. Future work will apply this system to diseases characterized by inflammatory areas.

ROS/pH responsive nanoparticles for therapeutics delivery in inflammation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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