writer：tang rp, et al
keywords：self-assembly
source：期刊
specific source：Macromolecular Bioscience
Issue time：2010年
A new type of pH-responsive block copolymer nanoparticle has been synthesized and
characterized. The amphiphilic diblock copolymer, PEG-b-PMYM, contains acid-labile ortho
ester side-chains in the hydrophobic block and can self-assemble into micelle-like nanoparticles in water at neutral pH. Hydrolysis of the ortho ester side-chains follows a distinct exocyclic mechanism and shows pH-dependent kinetics, which triggers changes in nanoparticle size and morphology. The nanoparticles have been found to be non-toxic to cells in vitro. The ability to tune the size and morphology of biocompatible
block copolymer nanoparticles by controlling the pH-sensitive side-chain hydrolysis
represents a unique approach that may be exploited to improve the efficacy of nanometerscale drug delivery.