Preparation of Monodisperse Bio-Based Polymer Particles via Dispersion Polymerization

Biodegradable Covalently Crosslinked Poly[N-(2-Hydroxypropyl) Methacrylamide] Nanogels: Preparation and Physicochemical Properties

Recently, suitably sized polymer-based nanogels containing functional groups for the binding of biologically active substances and ultimately degradable to products that can be removed by glomerular filtration have become extensively studied systems in the field of drug delivery. Herein, we designed and tailored the synthesis of hydrophilic and biodegradable poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide-co-N,N'-bis(acryloyl) cystamine-co-6-methacrylamidohexanoyl hydrazine] (PHPMA-BAC-BMH) nanogels. The facile and versatile dispersion polymerization enabled the preparation of nanogels with a diameter below 50 nm, which is the key parameter for efficient and selective passive tumor targeting. The effects of the N,N'-bis(acryloyl) cystamine crosslinker, polymerization composition, and medium including H2O/MetCel and H2O/EtCel on the particle size, particle size distribution, morphology, and polymerization kinetics and copolymer composition were investigated in detail. We demonstrated the formation of a 38 nm colloidally stable PHPMA-BAC-BMH nanogel with a core-shell structure that can be rapidly degraded in the presence of 10 mM glutathione solution under physiologic conditions. The nanogels were stable in an aqueous solution modeling the bloodstream; thus, these nanogels have the potential to become highly important carriers in the drug delivery of various molecules.

Nano-engineering nanomedicines with customized functions for tumor treatment applications

Nano-engineering with unique "custom function" capability has shown great potential in solving technical difficulties of nanomaterials in tumor treatment. Through tuning the size and surface properties controllablly, nanoparticles can be endoewd with tailored structure, and then the characteristic functions to improve the therapeutic effect of nanomedicines. Based on nano-engineering, many have been carried out to advance nano-engineering nanomedicine. In this review, the main research related to cancer therapy attached to the development of nanoengineering nanomedicines has been presented as follows. Firstly, therapeutic agents that target to tumor area can exert the therapeutic effect effectively. Secondly, drug resistance of tumor cells can be overcome to enhance the efficacy. Thirdly, remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment makes the therapeutic agents work with the autoimmune system to eliminate the primary tumor and then prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Finally, the development prospects of nano-engineering nanomedicine are also outlined.