(385h) Encapsulation of Magnetic Nanoparticles within Biofunctional Poly (ethylene glycol) Hydrogel Formed Via Surface Initiated Photopolymerization

Nanoparticles are powerful candidates to revolutionize current clinical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) have wide range of applications in the areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders and neurological diseases. However, there is a limitation associated with their reach to target tissue due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles and adsorption of plasma proteins on the surface of nanoparticles during  circulation in the blood. Surface property, charge, morphology and size are all important parameters that affect pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of nanoparticles. In this study we encapsulated MIONPs within biocompatible and biofunctional poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel via surface initiated photopolymerization method in order to address difficulties involved in nanoparticle biodistribution and cellular binding. PEG hydrogel coating should improve blood compatibility, decrease protein adsorption and increase blood circulation time.  Encapsulated nanoparticles (ENPs) are characterized in terms of size, morphology, stability, structure applying dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. After obtaining desired ENPs for in vivo study, cytotoxicity is investigated through incubation of ENPs with target cell type and carrying out luminescent cell viability assay. Cellular uptakes of 3-(aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane–tetramethoxysilane coated, PEG hydrogel coated and PEG hydrogel with peptide coated MIONPs are compared via Prussian blue staining method.With this technique, it is possible to adjust the thickness and crosslink density properties of coating by manipulation of polymerization conditions, and to promote cellular uptake and biodistribution of encapsulated nanoparticles.