Issue 1, 2015

Hyperbranched polydendrons: a new nanomaterials platform with tuneable permeation through model gut epithelium

Abstract

The development of nanomaterials for advanced therapies requires the formation of versatile platforms that may be tuned to maximize beneficial attributes and minimize unwanted negative behaviour. Additionally, the optimum route of administration is a key consideration of any new treatment and much work has been focused on direct injection into the systemic circulation rather than oral delivery. Here we describe a new approach to polymeric nanoparticle design and present initial results showing the potential for tuneable permeation through a gut epithelium model. Through the use of mixed initiators and branched vinyl polymerization, a series of systematically varying branched polymers have been synthesized and nanoprecipitated. The surprisingly uniform structures have undergone preliminary pharmacological evaluation to establish low cytotoxicity and enhanced permeation through model intestinal epithelial cells. This presents potential opportunities for future developments that may allow oral dosing to result in circulating polymeric nanoparticles; behaviour that may prove clinically desirable to many non-terminal or chronic diseases that utilise nanomedicines but wish to avoid regular or repeated intravenous administration.

Graphical abstract: Hyperbranched polydendrons: a new nanomaterials platform with tuneable permeation through model gut epithelium

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
19 Sep 2014
Accepted
03 Oct 2014
First published
03 Oct 2014
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2015,6, 326-334

Author version available

Hyperbranched polydendrons: a new nanomaterials platform with tuneable permeation through model gut epithelium

F. L. Hatton, L. M. Tatham, L. R. Tidbury, P. Chambon, T. He, A. Owen and S. P. Rannard, Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 326 DOI: 10.1039/C4SC02889A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements