Novel Gelatin-based Nano-gels with Coordination-induced Drug Loading for Intracellular Delivery

摘要

In this study, we develop the gelatin-dopamine(Gel-Dopa) nano-gels(GDNGs) and explore their potential as drug delivery vehicles. The Gel-Dopa precursor is synthesized using EDC/NHS coupling reaction,in which the catechols can coordinate with transition metal ions such as Fe^(3+). These novel GDNGs exhibit excellent cytocompatibility. The model drug, doxorubicin(Dox), is readily conjugated into catechol of GDNGs by the coordination cross-link of Fe^(3+) ion. The morphology and size distribution of the nanogels are characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy and particle size analyzer, respectively.The GDNGs loaded with Dox(GDNGs-Dox) is capable of efficiently penetrating cell membrane and enter the HeL a cells. The endocytosed GDNGs-Dox release Dox molecules and subsequently kill the tumor cells.