by
Zeynep Kalaycıoğlu | Tem 23, 2024
1- Biodegradable, Fluorescent PBAE: A Dual-Functional Photosensitizer for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Imaging
2-Eco-Friendly PLA Enhanced with Caffeic Acid for Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications
3- Innovative pH-Responsive Delivery System to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Biodegradable, Fluorescent PBAE: A Dual-Functional Photosensitizer for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Imaging
Recently, Kahveci and his research group have been developed, a water-dispersible, biodegradable and fluorescent poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) based photosensitizer (PS) for efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) and imaging. The polymeric PSs demonstrated significant anti-cancer potential as evaluated via reactive oxygen species generation, photocytotoxicity, colony formation and cell invasion assay.
This paper presents the development of a biodegradable, highly water-dispersible, and fluorescent poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) designed as an efficient photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and imaging. Synthesized through aza-Michael addition-based poly-condensation polymerization, the PBAEs feature amine end groups and are end-capped with folic acid to enhance cancer-cell-targeting efficiency. These polymers form globular nano-sized particles for passive tumor targeting and demonstrate significant anti-cancer activity against U87-MG brain tumor cells and HeLa cervical tumor cells without significant cytotoxicity to non-cancer cells. The anti-cancer mechanism involves singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upon red light irradiation, which reduces colony formation and prevents cancer cell invasion. Additionally, these polymers are highly effective in cancer cell imaging, making them a promising dual-functional tool for cancer treatment and diagnostics.
To access full article, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00318G
Eco-Friendly PLA Enhanced with Caffeic Acid for Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications
Kahveci and his research group have been successfully grafted caffeic acid onto PLA-b-PHEMA polymer. Grafted copolymer exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Films were prepared by combining commercial PLA with different proportions of PLA-b-PHEMA-g-CA using a solvent casting method. Both grafted copolymer and films exhibited antioxidant property and antimicrobial effect against S. aureus and E. coli, showcasing potential applications in sustainable materials.
Kahveci and his research group underscores the importance of enhancing poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics derived from renewable sources like corn starch and sugarcane. While PLA lacks inherent functional groups, limiting its applications, this study addresses this by grafting a bioactive compound, caffeic acid, onto a poly(D,L-lactide)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) block copolymer (PLA-b-PHEMA). The resulting copolymer, PLA-b-PHEMA-g-CA, exhibits significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, as confirmed by various characterization techniques. By blending this grafted copolymer with commercial PLA to produce films, the study demonstrates the potential for creating sustainable materials with enhanced functional properties, paving the way for innovative applications across diverse fields.
To access full article, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2024.113056
Innovative pH-Responsive Delivery System to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Kahveci and his research group have been developed a pH-responsive antibiotic delivery system based on pH-responsive poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) and enzyme responsive hyaluronic acid (HA). The polymeric nanocomplexes were obtained via electrostatic complexation of PBAE and HA in the presence of a model antibiotics, colistin and vancomycin. The nanocomplexes released the drugs more at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4. Antibacterial activity of the system was evaluated on various bacteria. The nanocomplex loaded with the antibiotics exhibited significantly greater efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a severe global threat to health, food security, and development. Efforts to combat AMR include educating individuals, implementing new policies, and developing novel antimicrobials and materials for effective delivery. Among these, innovative drug delivery systems that enable local and on-demand antibiotic release are particularly promising. This study introduces a pH-responsive antibiotic delivery system using poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) and enzyme-responsive hyaluronic acid (HA). These polymeric nanocomplexes, formed through electrostatic complexation with model antibiotics colistin and vancomycin, exhibit size ranges of 131–730 nm at pH 7.4, which increase significantly at pH 5.5. The drug release performance, tested with FITC-labeled antibiotics, showed enhanced release at the acidic pH of 5.5. Antibacterial activity assays demonstrated that these nanocomplexes are significantly more effective against E. coli and S. aureus, highlighting their potential as a robust strategy for combating AMR through targeted and efficient antibiotic delivery.
To access full article, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129060
