Research lead
A Dutch researcher, Cristianne Rijcken, has developed a new type of biodegradable nanoparticle that can encapsulate fat-soluble medicines. These nanoballs could be used for the targeting and controlled release of chemotherapy drugs.
The nanoparticles consist of polyethylene glycol chains, which are attached to lactic acid derivatives of polymethacrylamides. The resulting constructs are both biodegradable and heat sensitive. When an aqueous solution of this polymer is heated, compact spherical nanoparticles smaller than 100 nanometres are formed spontaneously.
The properties and life span of the stabilised micelles can be completely controlled by changing the components.
Experiments have shown that various types of fat-soluble anticancer drugs could be encapsulated in these micelles. The drug payload is released when the lactic acid groups in the polymer split off, causing the nanoparticles to fall apart.
In animal experiments the stabilised nanoballs accumulated preferentially in tumour cells.
Further research is needed to determine how the micelles circulate in the blood and accumulate in tumours. The development of new components for building the nanoparticles will allow even more accurate control of specificity and drug release.
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