Multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles from diverse bioactive agents

We present a rational approach for assembling diverse bioactive agents, such as DNA, proteins, and drug molecules, into core-shell multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) that can be internalized in human breast cancer cells. Using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), block copolymers containing small-molecule drug segments (>50% w/w) and tosylated hexaethylene glycol segments were prepared and assembled into PNPs that allowed for the surface conjugation of single-stranded DNA sequences and/or tumor-targeting antibodies. The resulting antibody-functionalized particles were readily uptaken by breast cancer cells that overexpressed the corresponding antigens. Copyright © 2006 American Chemical Society.