(333b) Drug Delivery Particles Made from Zwitterionic Polymer Micelles

Zwitterionic polymers have found a wide range of applications based on excellent non-fouling properties. It has been demonstrated that their use as surface coatings can effectively resist binding from proteins, cells, and full blood. Nanoparticles coated with zwitterionic polymers exhibited long blood circulation time in vivo. These excellent properties were attributed to the unique superhydrophilicity of these polymers providing strong hydration effects. In this presentation, I will introduce a so-called sharp contrast micelle system. Each micelle molecule composes of a superhydrophilic zwitterionic polymer domain and a superhydrophobic lipid domain. The polarity contrast between the two domains is drastically “sharper” than most conventional micelle molecules. We will discuss the special synthetic route that led to the reaction between the two polarity distinct blocks to form the sharp contrast surfactant. The unique behavior of this sharp contrast micelle and its use for drug delivery purposes will be demonstrated. Particularly, colloid systems made from this micelle achieved unprecedented stability comparing with conventional stabilizing technologies.