Hyperbranched Polyether Surface Functionalized with Biomimetic Zwitterionic Polymers as Potential Drug Release Carriers

Novel biomimetic hyperbranched copolymers were synthesized by polymerization of zwitterionic monomer (CBB) on the surface of a hyperbranched poly (3-ethyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)oxetane) (HBPO) core. The composition and morphology of resultant copolymers were investigated by 1H NMR, TGA, DLS, and TEM. The biomimetic hyperbranched copolymers showed low toxicity, favorable protein resistant properties, and were ultra-stable in 100% fetal bovine serum (FBS) The conjugation with biomolecules (folate amine) can be easily achieved through N,N'-Dicyclohexycarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide (DCC/NHS) chemistry. The loading and release properties of a model drug, indomethacin (IND), using the resultant biomimetic hyperbranched copolymers as carriers were also investigated. The loading content was determined by UV-vis analysis to be 22.68 wt % and the drug release rate depends greatly on the pH and protein concentration of the solution which indicated the biomimetic copolymer could be as candidate carriers for biomedical applications. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Soft Materials for the following free supplemental resource(s): Synthesis of Zwitterionic Copolymers]