Self-assembled nanocages for hydrophilic guest molecules.
Reverse polymeric micelles are obtained following the association of polymeric amphiphiles in apolar media. To this date, reports of pharmaceutical applications for such micelles have been scarce, mainly because these systems have been studied in solvents that are not suitable for medical use. Here, alkylated star-shaped poly(glycerol methacrylate) polymers have been proposed in the design of oil-soluble reverse polymeric micelles. Micellar behavior was studied in various apolar solvents, including ethyl oleate, a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The polymers were shown to assemble into spherical nanostructures (<40 nm) as determined by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies. Interestingly, the reverse micelles were able to encapsulate various peptides/proteins (vasopressin, myoglobin, and albumin) in substantial amounts and facilitate their solubilization in oil. The nature of both the polymer used in micelle formation and the guest molecules was found to influence the ability of the micelle to interact with hydrophilic compounds.
Jones
Marie-Christine
MC
Canada Research Chair in Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, H3C 3J7 Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Tewari
Pankaj
P
Blei
Claudia
C
Hales
Kelly
K
Pochan
Darrin J
DJ
Leroux
Jean-Christophe
JC
D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D049329:Nanostructures