title: Oxidation-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles.
abstract: We have recently demonstrated the possible use of organic polysulfides for the design of oxidation-sensitive colloidal carriers in the form of polymeric vesicles, which are particularly suitable for the encapsulation of hydrosoluble drugs. In the present research we extend our efforts to carriers specifically suitable for hydrophobic molecules. Exploiting the living emulsion polymerization of episulfides, we have produced new cross-linked polysulfide nanoparticles. Here we demonstrate how this process allows the production of stable nanoparticles with a good control over their size and functionality. The nanoparticles showed negligible cytotoxicity on a fibroblast model; furthermore, they exhibited sensitivity to oxidative conditions, which first produce swelling and then solubilize the material.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Materials, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Moussonstrasse 18, CH-8044 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Annemie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rehor
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hubbell
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tirelli