Synthesis and Characterization of TZD Loaded PNIPAAm-b-PU-b-PNIPAAm Tri-Block Gold Nanopolymer

ABSTRACT

Block copolymers have been used extensively in the synthesis of different types of nanoparticles. A novel ABA type PNIPAAm-b-PU-b-PNIPAAm tri-block nanopolymer has been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique using a tertiary bromo-terminated as a macro-initiator and was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) techniques. Here, the triblock copolymer was employed as the both reducing as well as the stabilizing agent. Gold-copolymer nanoparticles were synthesized via the reaction between tri-block copolymer, PNIPAAm-b-PU-b-PNIPAAm with tetrachloroauric acid in water. The obtained Au coated copolymer was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), quasi elastic light scattering (QELS), and UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques. Thiazolidine-2,4-diones (TZDs) are a class of antidiabetic compounds that are derived from the antilipidemic and weakly antihyperglycemic clofibrate. TZDs reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, and improve glycemic control by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and suppress hepatic glucose production. The delivery of pioglitazone, one of the potent compounds of TZDs used in clinic, therapies directly to the site would ultimately allow higher concentrations of the drug to be delivered and prolong circulation time in vivo to enhance the therapeutic outcome of the drug. Therefore, we sought to design optically active based polymeric nanoparticles for the site directed delivery of pioglitazone. Newly synthesized Au coated triblock copolymer nanoparticles have displayed an average size of 15 ± 3 nm. These Au NPs coated triblock copolymers were used to prepare pioglitazone loaded polymeric gold nanoparticles (PANP) with an average size of 220 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed the encapsulation of thiazolidine-2,4-dione on the surface of the polymer matrix.

KEYWORDS:

• TZD
• optically active
• Copolymer
• drug-delivery

Acknowledgments

The authors are highly thankful to the University Grant Commission (UGC) and the Department of Science & Technology (DST), India for their financial support.