Towards copper-free nanocapsules obtained by orthogonal interfacial "click" polymerization in miniemulsion.

A facile method to produce nanocapsules by copper-free interfacial "click"-polymerization as orthogonal reaction for the encapsulation of functional molecules is successfully performed using stable miniemulsion droplets. Difunctional azides and alkynes have been used for polymerization around the miniemulsion droplets, leading to the formation of nanocapsules. The results were compared with copper-catalyzed systems.

Synthesis of polyester nanoparticles in miniemulsion obtained by radical ring-opening of BMDO and their potential as biodegradable drug carriers.

5,6-Benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (BMDO) is used to obtain degradable polymeric nanoparticles via a statistical free-radical copolymerization with MMA and styrene in direct miniemulsion. The nanoparticles are analyzed by means of IR, NMR, DLS, SEM, and TEM. They show excellent cellular uptake and drug delivery properties. The cellular uptake into HeLa cells of particles resulting from copolymerization of BMDO with styrene is drastically enhanced compared to pure polystyrene. As a model drug system, paclitaxel is incorporated in PBMDO particles and its release and the effect on HeLa cells is studied and compared to commercial drug formulations. It is found that a drug delivery system based on PBMDO shows an excellent pharmacological effect.