Supervisors info:
Εεμόλαος Ιατρού,Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, Μαρίνος Πιτσικάλης, Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, Γεώργιος Σακελλαρίου, Επ. Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
In the present research project is presented the synthesis of two amphiphilic
hybrid triblock quarterpolymers of the type PEO-b-(PHis-co-PBLG)-b-PLL. Τhe
only difference between the two polymers was the macromolecular architecture:
In one the PEO was branched, while in the other was linear. We studied the
influence of the macromolecular architecture on the self-assembly properties.
First, we studied the synthesis of the monomers (His NCA, γ-Bz-L-Glutamate NCA,
PLL NCA) and successful synthesis verified by IR and NMR techniques The ROP
method for the polymerization of the NCAs of the aminoacids took place in
combination with the use of high vacuum techniques. Subsequently, all polymers
were characterized with GPC, NMR and IR techniques. With the technique of SLS
we obtained core-shell micelles for the linear polymer, while we observed
vesicles for the branched. Using the DLS technique we studied their self –
assemble, at different temperatures (25oC, 37oC, 40oC, 45oC) and pH (5.0, 6.5,
7.4). Finally, we studied the encapsulation of the anticancer drug Everolimus
into self-assembled vesicular structures consisting of the branched
quarterpolymer PEO2-b-(PHis-co-PBLG)-b-PLL. The encapsulation in these
biocompatible polymeric <> was structured so that the release of
the pharmaceutical substance in the system will occut at the cancer cells
solely, in controlled manner and at slow release rate, without the presence of
undesired side effects that can appear the oral intake of the drug as a tablet.
Keywords:
Amphiphilic polypeptides, NCAs, Triblock tertrapolymers, Vesicles, Everolimus
