I present a novel approach to allow the selective control and manipulation and subsequent triggering of nanoparticles by the application of an external bio-orthogonal chemical stimulus in the form of a tetrazine. The tetrazine mediated inverse electron demand Diels Alder reaction alters the morphology of the nanoparticles, triggering drug release. With a tetrazine trigger, the NPs also exhibited enhanced cell uptake due to the switching of the surface charge and a reduction in size. This new class of responsive material offers a new control strategy for triggered release through a chemical stimulus using a tetrazine, with potential in dosage control. There are a number of strategies for controlled drug release that have been designed to increase intracellular drug concentrations, but efficient delivery of therapeutics into tumour cells still remains a major challenge for cancer therapy. Recently, tailor-made dual-responsive drug delivery devices have been designed to overcome drug resistance and inefficient cellular uptake. Our approach offers a new strategy in the manipulation of polymeric nanoparticles; gaining control over both size and morphology of the self-assembled structures.

Tetrazine mediated drug delivery

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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