Synthesis of thermosensitive nanogels as plataform for drug delivery, sensor or diagnostic applications

JULIO CÉSAR CUGGINO; CECILIA I. ALVAREZ IGARZABAL; MIRIAM CRISTINA STRUMIA; MARCELO CALDERÓN

Bahia Blanca

Simposio; IX Simposio Argentino de Polímeros (SAP2011); 2011

In this work, we report the synthesis of thermosensitive NGs based on NIPAm and hyperbranched PG through precipitation polymerization. This technique proved to be versatile for synthesis of NGs with size ranges of 50 to 200 nm with controlled and narrow polydispersity. The incorporation of HPG as cross-linking agent enhanced the water solubility of the NGs improving their biocompatible profile and allowed a fine tuning of the thermoresponsive profile regarding the size of the NGs in solution. Moreover, the biodegradability and multifunctionality of the core structure could allow post-modification of the scaffold for encapsulation or conjugation of dyes, drugs, enzymes, etc. The potential of this NG is currently under investigation.