Preparation, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Poly(Glutamic Acid)-b-Polyphenylalanine Polymersomes

Different types of amphiphilic macromolecular structures have been developed within recent decades to prepare the polymer particles considered as drug delivery systems. In the present research the series of amphiphilic block-copolymers containing poly(glutamatic acid) as hydrophilic, and polyphenylalanine as hydrophobic blocks was synthesized and characterized. Molecular weights for homo- and copolymers were determined by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) and amino acid analysis, respectively. The copolymers obtained were applied for preparation of polymer particles. The specific morphology of prepared polymerosomes was proved using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence on particle size of polymer concentration and pH used for self-assembly, as well as on the length of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks of applied copolymers, was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Depending on different experimental conditions, the formation of nanoparticles with sizes from 60 to 350 nm was observed. The surface of polymersomes was modified with model protein (enzyme). No loss in biocatalytic activity was detected. Additionally, the process of encapsulation of model dyes was developed and the possibility of intracellular delivery of the dye-loaded nanoparticles was proved. Thus, the nanoparticles discussed can be considered for the creation of modern drug delivery systems.