title: Novel pH-responsive nanoparticles.
abstract: In this work we report a new type of pH-responsive micelle-like nanoparticle. Reversible nanoscale structures are formed in solutions of a pH-sensitive hydrophobic polyelectrolyte, poly( N-methacryloyl- l-valine) or poly( N-methacryloyl- l-phenylalanine), and nonionic surfactant (Brij 98) in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The influence of composition and pH on particles size and shape was investigated by a variety of methods. An entity's size and polydispersity could be varied in a broad range making them a perspective candidate as a drug carrier. Unlike the case of typical micelles, our results indicate the presence of cavities in the formed particles. A hypothetical model of a nanoparticle and mechanism of formation are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic. filippov@imc.cas.cz
authors.forename: Sergey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Filippov
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hrubý
authors.forename: Cestmír
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Konák
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Macková
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spírková
authors.forename: Petr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stepánek
mesh_terms: D004573:Electrolytes; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007477:Ions; D008027:Light; D008823:Micelles; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008956:Models, Chemical; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000737:chemistry; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013499:Surface Properties; D014633:Valine / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D007477:Ions; D008823:Micelles; D010938:Plant Oils; D011108:Polymers; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D010649:Phenylalanine; C033084:polyethylene glycol oleyl ether; D014633:Valine