Light-responsive nanoparticles based on new polycarbonate polymers as innovative drug delivery systems for photosensitizers in PDT

Publication date: Available online 22 December 2018Source: International Journal of PharmaceuticsAuthor(s): Juliane Anderski, Laura Mahlert, Jingjiang Sun, Wolfgang Birnbaum, Dennis Mulac, Sebastian Schreiber, Fabian Herrmann, Dirk Kuckling, Klaus LangerAbstractNanoparticles based on biodegradable polymers are well-known as approved carrier systems for a diversity of drugs. Despite their advantages, such as the option of an active drug targeting or the physicochemical protection of instable payloads, the controlled drug release often underlies intra- and interindividual influences and is therefore difficult to predict. To circumvent this limitation, the release behavior can be optimized using light-responsive materials for the nanoparticle preparation. The resulting light-responsive nanoparticles are able to release the embedded drug after an external light-stimulus, thereby increasing efficacy and safety of the therapy.In the present study light-responsive self-immolative polymers were used for the nanoparticle manufacturing. Light-responsive polycarbonates (LrPC) as well as PEGylated LrPC (LrPC-PEG) were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization of trimethylene carbonate-based monomers and fully physico-chemically characterized. Light-responsive nano formulations were obtained by blending LrPC or (LrPC-PEG) with the FDA-approved polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) (PLGA). The nanoparticles were loaded with the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin ...
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research