文摘
Block-graft methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers with pendant fluorescent pyrene groups were synthesized by post-polymerization conjugation of 1-pyrenemethyl 4-pentynoate (PMP) onto azido-functionalized MPEG-b-PαN3CL using the “click-reaction. Copolymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 1H NMR, IR, and gel permeation chromatography. The block-graft copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase, with critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 2.9-9.4?mg?L?. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to analyze micelle morphology, and it revealed a spherical structure. The mean hydrodynamic diameters of the micelles from dynamic light scattering were in the range of 38-6?nm. In vitro cell viability assay indicated that MPEG-b-(PαN3CL-g-PMP/alkyne) has low cytotoxicity. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded micelles facilitated human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell uptake of DOX; uptake was completed within 4?h, and DOX was able to reach intracellular compartments and enter nuclei by endocytosis. Figure DOX-loaded MPEG45-b-(PαNCL26-g-PMP7/Hexy19) micelles (13) provide greater uptake of DOX by HeLa cells compared to the non-encapsulated drug (A), and were able to enter nuclei by endocytosis (C).