Honors Theses
Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Davita Watkins
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Despite current research towards applications of polymeric drug delivery systems (DDSs) in biomedical research, significant limitations—specifically in synthetic accessibility, bio compatibility, and principles of molecular self-assembly—have been discerned. To address these drawbacks, we will investigate the synthesis and characterization of heterobifunctional linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs), which combine the advantageous properties of both linear and dendritic blocks to afford nanomaterials with superior mechanical properties. Our LDBC systems contain two differing functional constituents, namely a hydrophilic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendron covalently linked to a hydrophobic polyester (polylactic acid, or PLA), and can self-assemble to form nanoparticles of various morphologies that serve as the vehicles for drug delivery. The initial amine-terminated PAMAM is not ideal in biological systems due to a high positive surface charge yielding concerns over cytotoxicity, so various functional groups were incorporated at the hydrophilic block to not only investigate biocompatibility, but also to discern interfacial surface behavior of these nanoparticles. These additional structural modifications are important as they provide several biological advantages such as resistance against plasma proteins and efficient cell penetrating ability. The synthesis of well-defined PAMAM-polyester LDBCs was confirmed via spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Microscopy and light scattering techniques afford evidence of nanoparticle formation. The results of the study regarding terminal group alteration demonstrated observable differences in parameters related to biocompatibility and confirm that these materials are indeed applicable for targeted drug delivery.
Recommended Citation
Rieger, William, "Heterobifunctional Linear Dendritic Block Co-Polymers (LDBCS) as Multifunctional Carriers for Targeted Drug Delivery" (2018). Honors Theses. 958.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/958
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