Monitoring the erosion of hydrolytically-degradable nanogels via multiangle light scattering coupled to asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation.

ABSTRACT: We describe the synthesis and characterization of degradable nanogels that display bulk erosion under physiologic conditions (pH = 7.4, 37 degrees C). Erodible poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) nanogels were synthesized by copolymerization with N,O-(dimethacryloyl) hydroxylamine, a cross-linker previously used in the preparation of nontoxic and biodegradable bulk hydrogels. To monitor particle degradation, we employed multiangle light scattering and differential refractometry detection following asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation. This approach allowed the detection of changes in nanogel molar mass and topology as a function of both temperature and pH. Particle erosion was evident from both an increase in nanogel swelling and a decrease in scattering intensity as a function of time.

SUBMITTER: Smith MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2810709 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature