Hybrid bionanomaterials based on nanocrystalline TiO_2 and catechol-grafted polymers: the effect of composition and morphology on photo and bioactivity

摘要

We here present a synthetic strategy for generating hybrid nanoparticles composed of a size-controlled, crystalline TiO_2 core, coated with a synthetic biocompatible polymeric layer, which was designed to tailor their final photo and bioactivity. A bio-inspired approach was used to graft hydrophilic polymers (i.e. poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(glycerol methacrylate) based polymers), on the TiO_2 nanoparticles, utilising terminal catechol groups as chelating enediol ligands. After purification, these hybrid nanoparticles showed satisfactory stability at physiological conditions, a photoactivity which depends on the grafting density of the polymeric layer and a safe cytotoxic profile. The characteristics of these bionanomaterials provide interesting advantages for biomedical applications, particularly for imaging, cell targeting and immunostimulation.