Novel polysaccharide-decorated poly(isobutyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to synthesize new surface-modified nanoparticles using a radical emulsion polymerization of an alkyl cyanoacrylate.

Methods: Isobutyl cyanoacrylate was polymerized in nitric acid 0.2 M containing a polysaccharide (0.1375 g) and cerium (8 x 10(-2) M). After 1 h, the pH was adjusted to 7.0, and the nanoparticles were purified by dialysis. Nanoparticle characterization included scanning electron microscopy, quasi-elastic light scattering, zeta potential determination, measurements of the complement activation induced by different polysaccharide-coated nanoparticles and of the antithrombic activity of heparin.

Results: Dispersions of spherical particles were obtained using various polysaccharides. The particle diameter varied from 90 nm to several micrometers, and the zeta potential depended on the molecular weight and the nature and charge of the polysaccharide. Surface analysis performed by ESCA confirmed the presence of polysaccharides at the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles were very stable, and the biologic activity of the polysaccharide was preserved. Complement activation was influenced by the polysaccharide characteristics.

Conclusions: A new method based on radical emulsion polymerization of isobutyl cyanoacrylate initiated by polysaccharides and cerium was developed to prepare nanoparticles. It leads, in a single step, to nanoparticles with surface properties defined by the polysaccharide. This method is a new concept for the development of biomimetic drug carriers with multiple functions.