Linear polymers of β and γ cyclodextrins with a polyglutamic acid backbone as carriers for doxorubicin. (1st December 2017) - Oliveri, Valentina
Graphical abstract: Highlights: The conjugation of amino CyDs with poly-l -glutamic acid is carried out with a high yield green reaction route. The new polymers have an average of 17 cyclodextrins and form nanoparticles with negative Z potential at neutral pH. New systems can load doxorubicin and the inclusion complexes show cytotoxicity in human cancer cells. Abstract: Cyclodextrins have been used to encapsulate drugs improving their stability and efficiently regulating their release. Polymeric nanoparticles containing cyclodextrins are currently undergoing clinical trials as nanotherapeutics. In this context, we have synthesized new linear polymers based on polyglutamic acid with pendant β- or γ-cyclodextrins, using a high yield reaction route. The new polymers with an average number of about 17 cyclodextrin cavities were characterized (NMR, MALDI-MS, DLS) and tested as carriers of doxorubicin in human tumor cells. They can include doxorubicin, and the inclusion complexes show antiproliferative activity in human tumor cells.