LAUSR

The application of nanoparticles, comprising amphiphilic block copolymers, for the delivery of drugs is a subject of great interest, as it holds promise for more effective and selective therapies. In order to achieve this ambition, it is of critical importance to develop our understanding of the mechanisms by which block copolymers (BCPs) undergo self-assembly so that we can control their morphology, tune their ability to be loaded with biofunctional cargo and optimize their interactions with target cells. To this end, we have developed a strategy by which blends of (biocompatible) amphiphilic block copolymers generate non-spherical nanovectors, simultaneously enhancing drug loading without the need for subsequent purification owing to the use of the biocompatible direct hydration approach. The principal morphology achieved using this blending strategy are worm-like nanovectors (nanoworms, NWs), with an elongated form known to have a profound effect on flow behavior and interactions with cells. Unloaded nanoworms are not toxic towards human retinal (ARPE-19) cells and can be effectively endocytosed even after varying the surface charge. In terms of drug loading, we demonstrate that uptake of dexamethasone (DEX; a clinically relevant therapeutic agent) in nanoworms (DEX@NWs) can be enhanced using this process - increasing drug content up to 0.5 mg/mL (10 wt% in particles). Furthermore, such nanoworms are stable for at least 5 months and are, therefore, a promising platform for nanomedicine applications.