Browsing by Author "Huang, Jyun-Jie"

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Dynamic supramolecular self-assembly: hydrogen bonding-induced contraction and extension of functional polymers
(2017-06-07)
Cheng, Chih-Chia
;
Wang, Jui-Hsu
;
Chuang, Wei-Tsung
;
Liao, Zhi-Sheng
;
Huang, Jyun-Jie
Simple construction and manipulation of low-molecular-weight supramolecular polymers, based on incorporation of self-complementary multiple hydrogen bonding interactions, with the desired dynamic response characteristics to achieve high-efficiency supramolecular assembly and control the morphological properties of the polymers remain highly challenging. Herein, we developed a new difunctional tele-chelic supramolecular polymer (UrCy-PPG) containing self-complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonded ureido-cytosine (UrCy) moieties, which spontaneously self-assembles to form long-range-ordered lamellar structures in the bulk state. Scattering and rheological studies confirmed that the dynamic behavior of UrCy units induces structural phase transitions from quadruple to dual hydrogen-bonded arrays, leading to well-controlled, self-organized supramolecular nanostructure morphologies. The microstructural features could be easily tuned by altering environmental conditions, making the self-assembly processes highly efficient. Importantly, temperature/shear stress-dependent microstructural analyses indicated that UrCy-PPG has the capacity to manipulate the transition between contractile and fully extended lamellar structures. Given its novelty, simple synthesis, high reliability, and efficient self-assembly processes, this newly developed supramolecular polymer represents a new concept and pathway for controlled arrangement of self-assembled polymeric nanostructures.
Nucleobase-Functionalized Supramolecular Micelles with Tunable Physical Properties for Efficient Controlled Drug Release
(2016-10)
Cheng, Chih-Chia
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Lin, I-Hong
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Chen, Jem-Kun
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Liao, Zhi-Sheng
;
Huang, Jyun-Jie
Complementary nucleobase-functionalized polymeric micelles, a combination of adenine-thymine (A-U) base pairs and a blend of hydrophilic-hydrophobic polymer pairs, can be used to construct 3D supramolecular polymer networks; these micelles exhibit excellent self-assembly ability in aqueous solution, rapid pH-responsiveness, high drug loading capacity, and triggerable drug release. In this study, a multi-uracil functionalized poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (U-PCL) and adenine end-capped difunctional oligomeric poly(ethylene glycol) (BA-PEG) are successfully developed and show high affinity and specific recognition in solution owing to dynamically reversible A-U-induced formation of physical cross-links. The U-PCL/BA-PEG blend system produces supramolecular micelles that can be readily adjusted to provide the desired critical micellization concentration, particle size, and stability. Importantly, in vitro release studies show that doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded micelles exhibit excellent DOX-encapsulated stability under physiological conditions. When the pH value of the solution is reduced from 7.4 to 5.0, DOX-loaded micelles can be rapidly triggered to release encapsulated DOX, suggesting these polymeric micelles represent promising candidate pH-responsive nanocarriers for controlled-release drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications.
Self-Assembled Supramolecular Nanogels as a Safe and Effective Drug Delivery Vector for Cancer Therapy
(2017-05-01)
Cheng, Chih-Chia
;
Liang, Mei-Chih
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Liao, Zhi-Sheng
;
Huang, Jyun-Jie
;
Lee, Duu-Jong
Simple construction and manipulation of low-molecular-weight supramolecular nanogels, based on the introduction of multiple hydrogen bonding interactions, with the desired physical properties to achieve effective and safe delivery of drugs for cancer therapy remain highly challenging. Herein, a novel supramolecular oligomer cytosine (Cy)-polypropylene glycol containing self-complementary multiple hydrogen-bonded Cy moieties is developed, which undergoes spontaneous self-assembly to form nanosized particles in an aqueous environment. Phase transitions and scattering studies confirm that the supramolecular nanogels can be readily tailored to obtain the desired phase-transition temperature and temperature-induced release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The resulting nanogels exhibit an extremely high load carrying capacity (up to 24.8%) and drug-entrapment stability, making the loading processes highly efficient. Importantly, in vitro cytotoxicity assays indicate that DOX-loaded nanogels possess excellent biosafety for drug delivery applications under physiological conditions. When the environmental temperature is increased to 40 degrees C, DOX-loaded nanogels trigger rapid DOX release and exert cytotoxic effects, significantly reducing the dose required compared to free DOX. Given its simplicity, low cost, high reliability, and efficiency, this newly developed temperature-responsive nanocarrier has highly promising potential for controlled release drug delivery systems.