pH-Responsive Aggregates from Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers Carrying Zwitterionic Groups. Encapsulation of Antiparasitic Compounds for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis

Nikos Karanikolopoulos, Marinos Pitsikalis,* and Nikos Hadjichristidis*
Industrial Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
Kalliopi Georgikopoulou and Theodora Calogeropoulou
Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
John R. Dunlap
University of Tennessee, Program Microscopy, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Langmuir, 2007, 23 (8), pp 4214–4224
DOI: 10.1021/la0628827
Publication Date (Web): March 16, 2007
Copyright © 2007 American Chemical Society
*

 Corresponding author.

Abstract

Abstract Image

A series of well-defined poly[(ethylene oxide)-b-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PEO-b-PDMAEMA) diblock copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. Post-polymerization reactions were performed to transform a portion of the tertiary amine groups of the PDMAΕMA into phosphorozwitterions. The aggregation behavior of the prepared zwitterionic block copolymers was investigated by static and dynamic light scattering techniques at 25 and 37 °C, in weakly basic and acidic aqueous solutions. Antiparasitic drugs used for the treatment of Leishmania were incorporated into the copolymer aggregates. The effect of the solution pH, the zwitterion content, temperature, and the quantity of the incorporated drug on the aggregation behavior of the copolymers was tested.

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History

  • Published In Issue April 10, 2007
  • Received October 2, 2006
    Revised December 22, 2006

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