Biocompatible rod-shaped nanoparticles of controlled length can be produced through the heat-induced "living" seeded crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-containing block copolymers. With a hydrophilic poly(2-methyl-2-oxazine) or poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) corona, these nanorods have proven non-cytotoxic, non-hemolytic, and ideal for use as a polymer-based drug delivery system. This study demonstrates a facile, one-pot method for the synthesis of mycophenolic acid (MPA)-conjugated block copolymer "unimers" for use in seeded CDSA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNanoceria (NC) are widely studied as potent nanozyme antioxidants, featuring unique multifunctional, self-regenerative, and high-throughput enzymatic functions. However, bare NC are reported to show poor colloidal stability in biological media. Despite this, the nexus between colloidal stability and antioxidant activity has rarely been assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDisordered eating and self-harm commonly co-occur in young people suggesting potential for shared underlying causes. Body image dissatisfaction (BID) has been recognised as a psychological correlate of body size, associated with both disordered eating and self-harm. However, the investigation into etiological pathways early in the lifecourse to provide detail on how body size and BID may foster disordered eating and self-harm remains largely unexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA great deal of nanocarriers have been applied to induce ferroptosis in cancer research, yet there are limited examples of nanocarrier formulations to rescue ferroptosis, which can be applied to neurodegeneration, inflammation, liver damage, kidney disease, and more. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of pH-responsive, core-cross-linked micelle (CCM) ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) conjugates with amine, valproic acid, and biotin surface chemistries. Fer-1 release from stable and defined CCM Fer-1 conjugates was quantified, highlighting the sustained release for 24 h.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ability to target specific tissues and to be internalized by cells is critical for successful nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery. Here, we combined "stealthy" rod-shaped poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) nanoparticles of different lengths with a cancer marker targeting nanobody and a fluorescent cell internalization sensor via a heat-induced living crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) strategy. A significant increase in association and uptake driven by nanobody-receptor interactions was observed alongside nanorod-length-dependent kinetics.
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