Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Small Molecules for Intracellular Delivery Using Thermally Responsive Nanocapsules

Abstract

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for intracellular delivery of small molecules is provided. The method includes encapsulation of small molecules in a thermally responsive nanocapsule by decreasing the temperature of the nanocapsule to increase the permeability of the nanocapsule and allowing the small molecules to be suck into or diffuse into the nanocapsule. The nanocapsule is delivered into a cell by increasing the temperature of the nanocapsule. The small molecules are released from the nanocapsule into the cell in a controllable manner by cooling and heating treatments.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A thermally responsive nanocapsule comprising:
 a polymeric hydrogel nanocapsule comprising a shell and a core, the shell having a diameter of greater than 150 nm at a temperature of less than 25° C. and a diameter of less than 150 nm at a temperature of greater than 25° C.   
     
     
         16 . The nanocapsule of  claim 15 , wherein the nanocapsule comprises a polycation comprising polyethylenimine, chitosan, or poly-l-lysine. 
     
     
         17 . The nanocapsule of  claim 15 , wherein the nanocapsule comprises a poloxamer, an amphiphilic polymer, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The nanocapsule of  claim 17 , wherein the amphiphilic polymer comprises poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). 
     
     
         19 . The nanocapsule of  claim 17 , wherein the amphiphilic polymer exhibits a lower critical solution temperature between about 4° C. and about 37° C. 
     
     
         20 . The nanocapsule of  claim 15 , wherein the surface of the core is modified with polyethylene glycol, stealth materials, folic acid, or combinations thereof for in vivo drug delivery.