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pH-responsive pitted polymer particles with surface morphologies from cup shaped to multicavities

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Abstract

Polymeric particles that combine pH responsiveness and anisotropic morphology are reported, based on cross-linked 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEA) coated polystyrene (PS) particles, obtained via a seeded polymerization procedure. DEA coating results in a single cavity within the seed particles, providing a cup-shaped final morphology. Two hydrophilic monomers, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMA) and allylamine (AAm), are also used to further functionalize the particle surfaces. Through controlled monomer ratios, four pitted particles with different chemical compositions are prepared: DEA, DEA/DMA (two different ratios), and DEA/AAm. Monomer composition precisely tunes the resulting particle morphology, with the ability to change from cup shaped to multicavity. The pH-dependent release properties of the pitted particles are investigated using Rhodamine 6G at pH 6.5 and 7.4. Analysis of drug release kinetics with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model shows the drug release mechanism varies depending on the pH as well as the polymer composition. The biocompatibility of particles is assessed via the MTT cell viability assay.

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Funding

Dr. R.B.K. received support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) BIDEB-2219 Postdoctoral Research program.

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Conceptualization: R. Bengü Karabacak, Rico F. Tabor, Boon M. Teo; methodology: R. Bengü Karabacak, Boon M. Teo, Shane P. Meaney; validation: R. Bengü Karabacak; software: Shane P. Meaney; formal analysis: R. Bengü Karabacak, Mark L. Vidallon, Zhen Zhen Lu, Shahinur Acter, Shane P. Meaney; investigation: R. Bengü Karabacak, Zhen Zhen Lu, Mark L. Vidallon; writing—original draft: R. Bengü Karabacak; writing—review and editing: R. Bengü Karabacak, Rico F. Tabor, Boon M. Teo; project administration: R. Bengü Karabacak, Rico F. Tabor, Boon M. Teo; resources: Rico F. Tabor, Boon M. Teo; supervision: Rico F. Tabor, Boon M. Teo.

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Correspondence to Rukiye Bengü Karabacak or Boon M. Teo.

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Karabacak, R., Vidallon, M.P., Meaney, S.P. et al. pH-responsive pitted polymer particles with surface morphologies from cup shaped to multicavities. Colloid Polym Sci 299, 1717–1728 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-021-04884-9

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