(563b) Polymer Directed Self-Assembly of Targeted Theragnostic Nanoparticles

Multicomponent nanoparticles that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functionality would be versatile biomaterials in the development of personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and optimized drug selection.  In this work, we produce nanoparticles encapsulating supramolecular complexes of antioxidants (therapeutic) and metal salts (diagnostic) via Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP).  In this process, amphiphilic block copolymers direct self-assembly of biocompatible nanoparticles with high concentrations of encapsulated components.  The precipitation process is controlled by carefully tuning the time scales of micromixing, self-assembly, complexation as well as nucleation and growth.  We have incorporated metal salts such as iron and copper for potential PET imaging as well as gold for potential X-ray contrast.  Targeted delivery of the hybrid nanoparticle can be achieved by tailoring the surface chemistry of the nanoparticle; therefore, functionalization of the block copolymer with a targeting ligand such as an antibody will also be discussed.