Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Aptamer-Functionalized Hyperbranched Multiarm Copolymers for Targeted Cancer Imaging

摘要

A novel targeting cancer imaging platform based on aptamer-functionalized amphiphilic hyperbranched copolymer conjugates, ttrhich can self-assemble into nano- scopic micelles with a core—shell structure and a narrow size distribution, has been designed and synthesized. The size, morphology, fluorescence performance, and cytotoxicity of micelles Were studied by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and a 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colori- metric assay. The results indicate that these micelles have low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells and can be easily internalized by MCF-7 cells. In addition, they also exhibit enhanced cell uptake, excellent fluorescence properties, and smart targeting capability in vitro, indicating great potential to be promising carriers for bioimaging and cancer specific delivery.