Nucleophile-triggered prodrug release from polymer hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: We present a new method to obtain tertiary amine-based prodrugs with dual functionality, enabling (i) signal-triggered drug activation and (ii) covalent incorporation in polymer materials through a clickable azido-group unit on the molecular prodrug scaffold. Using nucleophilic substitution on an electron deficient azido-phenyl allyl bromide scaffold, we were able to obtain prodrugs from a variety of amine drug candidates. Subsequent drug activation was initiated by using S or N-terminal biomarker nucleophiles including amino acids, a neurotransmitter, and glutathione as chemical signals. Hydrogel scaffolds labelled with anti-cancer or antibiotic prodrugs were tested in aqueous and cellular media. Through this strategy, we achieved controlled drug release upon signal activation for in v

SUBMITTER: Klemm B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12621203 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature