Core-Shell drug delivery system for albendazole to treat Ovarian Cancer: From RAFT polymer synthesis to Cellular Uptake

摘要

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the applicability of polymeric nano-particles synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization that can be used for the drug delivery of albendazole (ABZ) to treat ovarian cancer. To achieve this aim, a wide range of polymeric micelle systems based on amphiphilic block copolymers has been synthesized and investigated. The biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate was chosen to form the hydrophilic block. Based on predictions using group contribution method calculations and experimental results, methyl methacrylate was chosen to build the hydrophobic block as it demonstrated to achieve the highest compatibility with ABZ. To stabilize the structure of micelles, different strategies such as core-crosslink or shell-crosslink were employed. To further improve the efficiency of the nano-particles, micelles has been modified to become pH-sensitive as well as decorated with RGD peptides to enhance cell uptake. In-vitro studies revealed promising results of those micelles to be used as drug delivery containers for ABZ to treat ovarian cancer.