Nanogels made from partially hydrolyzed poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) were prepared first, in dilute aqueous solution in the presence of a di-glycidyl ether cross-linker (1  ), and by an inverse w/o emulsion process. In the latter case, in addition to 1  , the use of a cleavable cross-linker homologue (2  ), namely 1,6-hydroxyethyl disulfide-bis-di-glycidyl ether, led to cleavable nanogels. The pH-responsiveness of all cross-linked PEtOx derivatives was demonstrated in an acidic environment, owing to the protonation of amino- groups. Nanogels derived from 2   were cleaved under a reductive environment.1Another series of hydrogels were derived from poly(2-oxazoline)s statistical copolymers bearing pendant aldehydes functionalities, in presence of dihydrazide cross-linkers. These hydrogels were stable for several days at physiological pH but were readily cleaved in acidic environment. Such systems could potentially be used to encapsulate hydrophilic biomacromolecules such as proteins, in situ, thanks to the specificity of the chemistry used.Finally, some toxicity assays were performed on the nanogels prepared (complement activation and viability tests). We evidenced a non-toxic and stealth behavior that attested their interest in biotechnology and medicine. Such nanogels were made biocompatible and responsive to specific environmental conditions; two key attributes for a smart delivery system for biomedical applications.C. Legros et al., Polym. Chem.  2013  , 4  , 4801-4808.

Design of biocompatible and responsive hydrogels and nanogels made from poly(2-oxazoline)s

248th National Meeting (2014)

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