Engineering of Targeted Nanoparticles by Using Self-Assembled Biointegrated Block Copolymers

Polymer-based nanoparticle delivery systems have attracted a lot of attention recently due to their chemical versatility offering precise engineering for targeted drug delivery. However, surface functionalization of these nanoparticles could lead to poor control over their properties. A strategy to overcome this shortcoming is synthesis of self-assembled biointegrated block copolymers which offer reproducible preparation, quantitative control over ligand density and easy production. These Polymers are prepared by well-established polymerization and conjugation chemistries. The resultant nanoparticles are prepared by self-assembly of these polymers in a single step where fine tuning of these nanoparticles is accomplished by varying the composition of block polymers.