Molecular nanogels as nanocarriers. Intracellular transport of photosensitizers and nitric oxide probes

The preparation of molecular nanogels is reported in this thesis. These new nanoparticles, formed by low molecular weight gelators, represent an exciting alternative to their polymeric counterparts considering their intrinsic characteristics (fully reversible stimuli-regulated assembly, easy biodegr...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Torres Martínez, Ana
Tipo de recurso: tesis doctoral
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:CBUC, CESCA
Repositorio:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
OAI Identifier:oai:www.tdx.cat:10803/671255
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10803/671255
http://dx.doi.org/10.6035/14104.2021.368244
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Molecular nanogels
Nanocarriers
Molecular lipogels
Photodynamic therapy
Nitric oxide probes
Ciències naturals, químiques, físiques i matemàtiques
547
Descripción
Sumario:The preparation of molecular nanogels is reported in this thesis. These new nanoparticles, formed by low molecular weight gelators, represent an exciting alternative to their polymeric counterparts considering their intrinsic characteristics (fully reversible stimuli-regulated assembly, easy biodegradation, excellent biocompatibility and tailored properties). Novel hydrogel@liposome particles were also obtained by molecular gel formation inside liposomes, merging the benefits of liposomal vehicles with the inherent characteristics of molecular gels. The capability of molecular nanogels to incorporate and release actives and act as intracellular carriers was demonstrated, improving the efficiency of photoactive molecules in their biomedical use. Photosensitizers (Rose Bengal and hypericin) showed enhanced cellular uptake and improved performance in photodynamic therapy for cancer. The encapsulation in the nanogels of nitric oxide probes lead to an enhanced cellular uptake of DAF-2 and an increased solubility in water of DAQ.