Multifunctional nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in the world, and the worldwide incidence of cancer continues to increase. It is estimated that there will be 15 million new cases every year by 2020. Drug delivery systems have captivated scientists and engineers over the past many years because Drug delivery systems provide new strategies for the delivery of biologically active compounds at the right dose, at the right time and at the right place. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers are composed of natural or synthesized macromolecules, which are compatible with the human body (biocompatible) and are degradable under physiological condition into harmless byproducts. While delivering the imaging/therapeutic agents to the diseased cells, the polymeric matrix degrades and eventually disappears. The aims of this thesis were to synthesize a novel copolymer, poly(lactide)b poly(lactide acid) - d-N1-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (PLA-TPGS) with desired degradation rate and hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and develop the copolymer nanoparticles for cancer chemotherapy and imaging, as well as to prepare targeted nanoparticles for cancer therapy and imaging using a new strategy that is the contents of targeting ligands on the surface of nanoparticles can be controlled through adjusting the component ratio of two polymers.