초록 |
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly recognized as a promising treatment for a variety of oncological, cardiovascular, dermatological, and ophthalmic diseases. To achieve a targeted drug delivery system for PDT, a highly efficient drug vector was developed by designing multifunctional and biodegradable block copolymer-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates, which act as a water-soluble and biocompatible carrier that allows delivery of a hydrophobic photosensitizer to tumor site for PDT action. The 18nm citrate-stabilized AuNPs were modified with folic acid (FA)-conjugated biocompatible block copolymers through a bidentate dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) linker. The FA-PEG-P(Asp-Hyd)-DHLA-modified AuNPs become so stable that their optical property do not change under very harsh conditions. Then, hydrophobic photosensitizers were conjugated to the stable vectors through pH-sensitive linkage. The particle size, size distribution, and morphology of FA-PEG-P(Asp-Hyd)-DHLA-modified AuNPs were determined. |