Department of Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32 90129 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
A new PHEA‐IB‐PMANa+ copolymer has been synthesized and its pH‐induced self‐assembly has been investigated in an aqueous medium. PHEA‐IB‐PMANa+ formed nanoparticles with diameters from 25 to 50 nm upon protonation of the carboxylic acid moieties dislocated along the grafted polymethacrylate sodium salt side chains. The physico‐chemical characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using light scattering, zeta‐potential measurements, SEM, and AFM. Doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticles were prepared and drug release profiles were evaluated under conditions mimicking physiological media. A biological characterization was carried out by testing the cytotoxicity on Caco‐2 cells, and cellular uptake on mouse monocyte macrophage (J774 A.1) and Caco‐2 cells.
