(313e) Towards Stealth Liposomes: Zwitterionic Polymers v.s. Non-Ionic Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Zwitterionic polymers such as poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB) have shown excellent stealth and functioanlization properties. By using hydrolysable hydrophobic precursors of zwitterionic PCB, we are able to covalently attach super-hydrophilic PCB to hydrophobic moieties for the first time. Base on this method, phospholipid-PCB conjugates were synthesized with the ?sharp? hydrophobic/hydrophilic contrast between two moieties. With phospholipid-PCB conjugates, we report the first liposomes and micelles formulated from zwitterionic polymers rather than non-ionic polymers such as PEG. PCB liposomes and micelles will be compared with PEG versions side by side to explore unique properties of zwitterionic PCB. Note that the structure of CB is similar to that of naturally occurring glycine betaine, the nano-medicines developed are promising candidates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications in real world.