We have recently introduced several groundbreaking polymers that fall apart specifically in response to light, acidic conditions, or concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) characteristic of inflammation. To demonstrate the usefulness of these materials for diagnosis and drug delivery, we have recently begun translational studies. Our first light-degradable polymer promises to extend the efficacy of anti-angiogenic biotherapeutics to treat neovascular retinal degeneration; so far, we have shown that these particles allow on-demand cargo release upon UVA irradiation, which causes no detectable damage, and that they remain intact in the eye in the absence of irradiation for extended periods. We have also recently used our pH- and ROS-degradable polymers to develop an activatable MRI system, in which encapsulation of gadolinium chelates in polymeric particles silences their ability to enhance water relaxation and disease-triggered degradation allows water access, activating their signal. We are currently examining the ability of these systems to detect xenograft tumors (using pH-responsive particles) and early-stage inflammation in a model of rheumatoid arthritis (ROS-responsive). Finally, we have demonstrated tunable rates of release of active growth factors from acetalated dextran particles, which degrade more rapidly at the acidic pH characteristic of infarcted tissue.

Applications of light-and bioresponsive polymers in the study of disease

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.