Micellar and structural stability of nanoscale amphiphilic polymers: Implications for anti-atherosclerotic bioactivity

Yingyue Zhang, Qi Li, William J. Welsh, Prabhas V. Moghe, Kathryn E. Uhrich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of mortality in developed countries, is characterized by the buildup of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) within the vascular intima, unregulated oxLDL uptake by macrophages, and ensuing formation of arterial plaque. Amphiphilic polymers (AMPs) comprised of a branched hydrophobic domain and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) tail have shown promising anti-atherogenic effects through direct inhibition of oxLDL uptake by macrophages. In this study, five AMPs with controlled variations were evaluated for their micellar and structural stability in the presence of serum and lipase, respectively, to develop underlying structure-atheroprotective activity relations. In parallel, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the AMP conformational preferences within an aqueous environment. Notably, AMPs with ether linkages between the hydrophobic arms and sugar backbones demonstrated enhanced degradation stability and storage stability, and also elicited enhanced anti-atherogenic bioactivity. Additionally, AMPs with increased hydrophobicity elicited increased atheroprotective bioactivity in the presence of serum. These studies provide key insights for designing more serum-stable polymeric micelles as prospective cardiovascular nanotherapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)230-240
Number of pages11
JournalBiomaterials
Volume84
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanics of Materials

Keywords

  • Amphiphilic polymers
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Micelle
  • Serum stability
  • Structure–activity relationship

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