Langmuir, Vol.24, No.17, 9295-9301, 2008
Novel pH-responsive nanoparticles
In this work we report a new type of pH-responsive micelle-like nanoparticle. Reversible nanoscale structures are formed in solutions of a pH-sensitive hydrophobic polyelectrolyte, poly(N-methacryloyl-L-valine) or poly(N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine), and nonionic surfactant (Brij 98) in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The influence of composition and pH on particles size and shape was investigated by a variety of methods. An entity's size and polydispersity could be varied in a broad range making them a perspective candidate as a drug carrier. Unlike the case of typical micelles, our results indicate the presence of cavities in the formed particles. A hypothetical model of a nanoparticle and mechanism of formation are proposed.