Bakker, Maarten H., Lee, Cameron, Meijer, E. W., Dankers, Patricia Y. W. and Albertazzi, Lorenzo (2016) Supramolecular multicomponent BTA polymers as a modular platform for intracellular delivery. ACS Nano, 10 (2). pp. 1845-1852. ISSN 1936-08511936-086X

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers are an emerging family of nanosized structures with potential use in materials chemistry and medicine. Surprisingly, application of supramolecular polymers in the field of drug delivery has received only limited attention. Here, we explore the potential of pegylated 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxamide (BTA) supramolecular polymers for intracellular delivery. Exploiting the unique modular approach of supramolecular chemistry, we are able to co-assemble neutral and cationic BTAs and to control the overall properties of the polymer by simple monomer mixing. Moreover, this platform offers a versatile approach towards functionalization. The inner part can be efficiently loaded with a hydrophobic guest molecule while the exterior can be electrostatically complexed with siRNA. It is demonstrated that both compounds can be delivered in living cells, and that they can be combined to enable a dual delivery strategy. These results show the advantages of employing a modular system and pave the way for the application of supramolecular polymers in intracellular delivery.

Item Type:	Article
Date Deposited:	26 Apr 2016 23:45
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2016 23:45
URI:	https://oak.novartis.com/id/eprint/26568