Solid-phase interfacial synthesis of dual-imprinted colloid particles for multifunctional nanomedicine development

Abstract Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can be used as smart drug carriers and tailored with antibody-like properties. For alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD), MIP nanoparticles, capable of trypsin binding to inhibit tryptic activity and controlled delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs, have the potential to prevent A1ATD-caused tissue damage and inflammation. Herein, trypsin-imprinted colloid particles were first synthesized via a solid-phase interfacial imprinting method. The inhibitory effect on trypsin activity implied the prospects of trypsin-imprinted nanoparticles for A1ATD treatment. In addition, a second-step imprinting of anti-inflammatory drug salicylic acid led to dual-imprinted nanoparticles. Since the shell contains imprinted salicylic acid, the nanoparticles thus could be applied for diffusion-controlled release of anti-inflammatory drug, indicating its potential to reduce tissue damage induced inflammation. Our results suggest that the dual-imprinted nanoparticles could be used as multifunctional artificial antitrypsin and provide a hint for the development of versatile nanomedicine system for A1ATD treatment.