Monodispersed Polymeric Nanocapsules: Spontaneous Evolution And Morphology Transition From Reducible Hetero-peg Picmicelles By Controlled Degradation

摘要

Polymeric nanocapsules offer significant potential applications as intracellular gene or drug delivery vehicles. However, preparation of uniform hollow nanocapsules still poses fabrication challenges. To date, numerous approaches for nanocapsules preparation had been developed including the molecular self-assembly and the sacrificed template method; however further application is limited by major disadvantages such as large size distribution, time-consuming preparation, and harsh core-removal conditions, etc. In this communication, a novel "self-templating" strategy will be introduced to prepare uniform and biocompatible nanocapsules. Highly monodispersed core-shell PEG-detachable PICmicelles (Figure 1), which rapidly detach a portion of the PEG chains in response to the thiol-reducing conditions via cleavage of disulfi.de bonds, were utilized as "sacrificed templates". After reduction agents were injected into PICmicelle solution, the weight fraction of the PEG coronal shell decreased due to the release of PEG chains. Consequently, spontaneous and drastic morphology evolution from micelle to vesicle structures occurred when the PEG weight fraction decreases to a certain value.6 Herein, we will demonstrate the reduction-induced morphology transition and formation of uniform nanocapsules with controllable capsule size by careful composition design of PICmicelles.