A new photo-responsive hyperbranched polymer was designed and synthesized by introducing UV-sensitive <i>o</i>-nitrobenzyl functionalities into the backbone of the polymer. This hydrophobic polymer was grafted with hydrophilic PEG and DNA aptamer by “click” chemistry, giving rise to an amphiphilic polymer-DNA conjugate which could further self-assembled into uniform nanoparticles. The nanostructure acting as a “smart” delivery system would be able to target on specific cells and disassemble instantly under UV irradiation, promoting the release of loaded molecules. The formation and disassembly of nanoparticles have been fully characterized by DLS, TEM, and UV-Vis absorption. Targeting ability contributed by aptamer (sgc8) towards specific cancer cells (CEM) and receptor assisted internalization have been proved by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. To further evaluate its expected exceptional loading efficiency introduced by the inherent cavity of hyperbranched polymer and releasing efficiency due to hydrophobicity change triggered by UV light, encapsulation of a model drug Nile red was performed. The release profile of Nile red was then examined by fluorescence spectroscopy, demonstrating a fast release behavior upon UV irradiation. Now we are applying this platform to other water-insoluble anticancer drugs such as DOX and Taxol, so that we can testify the stability, internalization pathway, and cytotoxicity of this nanocarrier loaded with drug molecules in cell studies to prove its promising therapeutic effect as a “smart” drug delivery system.

DNA grafted hyperbranched polymer as smart drug delivery system for target binding and photoresponsive drug release

256th National Meeting (2018)

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