Zinc-imidazolate polymers (ZIPs) as a potential carrier to brain capillary endothelial cells

• DOI: 10.1039/c5tb01814e
• Publication Date: 2015-10-26T09:03:57Z
• Authors: M. Chiacchia; C. Cerutti; R. Gromnicova; K. Rietdorf; I. A. Romero; D. Bradshaw
• Keywords: Imidazolate; Biodegradable polymer

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of nanospheres a biodegradable zinc-imidazolate polymers (ZIPs) as proof-of-concept delivery vehicle into human brain endothelial cells, main component blood-brain barrier (BBB). The ZIP particles can readily encapsulate functional molecules such fluorophores inorganic nanoparticles at point producing stable colloidal dispersions. Our results show that these are not cytotoxic, able to penetrate release cargo species capillary cells in vitro thus exhibiting significant potential novel platform for targeting treatments.