Acid-induced disassemblable nanoparticles based on cyclic benzylidene acetal-functionalized graft copolymer via sequential RAFT and ATRP polymerization

• DOI: 10.1039/c3py01324c
• Publication Date: 2013-12-02T15:32:01Z
• Authors: Junqiang Zhao; Jinjian Liu; Shangcong Han; Hongzhang Deng; Liandong Deng; Jianfeng Liu; Aimin Meng; Anjie Dong; Jianhua Zhang
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences; 3. Good health

Polymeric nanoparticles assembled from the amphiphilic graft copolymer with cyclic benzylidene acetal-functionalized backbone and short poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) side chains can remain structurally stable at pH 7.4, but undergo stepwise disassembly in mildly acidic conditions due to the acid-triggered cleavage of the acetals, providing a promising nanocarrier for cancer therapy.