Scientists have taken a significant step toward the development of tailor-made chiral nanocarriers with controllable release properties. These nanocarriers, inspired by nature’s helical molecules like DNA and proteins, hold immense potential for targeted drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
The study, led by Professors Emilio Quiñoá and Félix Freire at the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), highlights the intricate relationship between the structure of helical polymers and their self-assembly into nanospheres. By carefully designing the secondary chain, the researchers were able to modulate the acidity of the polymers, influencing their aggregation patterns and leading to the formation of nanoespheres with varying densities.
Intriguingly, the size of these nanoespheres could be precisely controlled by simply adjusting the water-to-solvent ratio during their preparation, eliminating the need for stabilizers. This eco-friendly approach paves the way for sustainable synthesis of these particles.
The researchers further demonstrated the remarkable ability to control the release of encapsulated substances within these nanoespheres using light. A photochemical reaction triggered the degradation of the polymers, releasing their cargo — in this case, tiny metallic and fluorescent particles. The chirality and folding of the helix played a crucial role in this process. Stretched helices exhibited slower photodegradation compared to their more compact counterparts. This opens up exciting possibilities for gradual release of encapsulated substances, a highly desirable feature for controlled drug delivery.
The findings, published in Angewandte Chemie, represent a significant advancement in understanding the governing parameters of helical polymer behavior.1 By manipulating these parameters, the researchers envision a broad spectrum of applications for these versatile compounds, spanning the fields of biology and materials science. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of next-generation nanocarriers with enhanced control over their properties and functions, offering promising avenues for targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, and nanomaterial design.
Read the full journal article below.
Reference
- “Size Control of Chiral Nanospheres Obtained via Nanoprecipitation of Helical Poly(phenylacetylene)s in the Absence of Surfactants.” Manuel Núñez-Martínez, Manuel Fernández-Míguez, Emilio Quiñoá, Felix Freire, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e202403313.
Overview
The research article titled "Size Control of Chiral Nanospheres Obtained via Nanoprecipitation of Helical Poly(phenylacetylene)s in the Absence of Surfactants" explores the synthesis and characterization of chiral nanospheres derived from helical poly(phenylacetylene)s. The authors, Manuel Núñez-Martínez, Manuel Fernández-Míguez, Emilio Quiñoá, and Felix Freire, investigate the potential of these nanospheres for applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology.
The study highlights the unique properties of these polymer nanoparticles, which can be produced without surfactants, making them stable in aqueous environments. The authors demonstrate that the size and density of the nanospheres can be controlled through the nanoprecipitation process, allowing for the creation of stable chiral nanostructures. The research emphasizes the importance of the polymer's helical structure in influencing the characteristics of the resulting nanospheres.
The encapsulation capabilities of these chiral nanospheres are also examined. The authors successfully encapsulated various fluorescent dyes, such as 5,6-carboxyfluorescein and rhodamine B isothiocyanate, as well as quantum dots, within the nanospheres. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that the emission colors of the nanospheres varied depending on the encapsulated dye, showcasing their potential for use in fluorescence-based applications.
Additionally, the article discusses the light-triggered release mechanism of the encapsulated materials, which could be advantageous for targeted drug delivery systems. The ability to release payloads upon exposure to light adds a layer of control over the release process, making these nanospheres particularly appealing for biomedical applications.
The findings presented in this article contribute to the growing field of polymer nanotechnology, offering insights into the design and application of chiral nanospheres. The authors conclude that the controlled synthesis of these nanostructures opens up new avenues for research and development in various fields, including materials science, drug delivery, and nanomedicine.
Overall, this research provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, characterization, and potential applications of chiral nanospheres derived from helical poly(phenylacetylene)s, highlighting their versatility and significance in advancing nanotechnology.
