Multifunctional Poly-para-xylylenes: Flexibility and Specificity of Controlled Biointerfaces in Nano-Scaled Dimension

Because of high surface to volume ratio, nanotechnology has played an important role in the biological science, medicine and industry. Recently, the development of nanotechnology has evolved into an era of multi-component systems. By introducing novel multifunctional coating to surface modification in nano-scaled dimension, applications of nanotechnology may make an important breakthrough. In this study, two kinds of multifunctional nanocolloids based on poly-para-xylylene were created to achieve specific and flexible reactivity with numerous biomolecules in complicated biological systems. Fabricated by chemical vapor deposition and nanoprecipitation methods, these nanoparticles could possess specificity through azide-alkyne cycloaddition, maleimide click reaction and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization or flexibility through NHS-ester-amine coupling reaction and the photochemcially induced crosslinking reaction. Average sizes, morphologies, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles were characterized with a series of analysis. In addition, conjugations of fluorescent probes and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) were also accomplished to confirm reactivity. Finally, application as a targeted drug carrier by immobilized with paclitaxel and folic acid molecules was demonstrated to inhibit growth of HeLa cancer cell.