Table 4 Structure, properties and applications of important synthetic polymers used to stabilize MIONPs
Name | Structure | Characteristics and applications |
|---|---|---|
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) |
| Surface shielding Boost blood circulation Solubility in buffer Decrease charge-based interactions |
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) |
| Backbone chain of carbon with hydroxyl group strengthen the hydrophilic and dispersion capacity in bio fluids Prevent nanoparticle self-aggregation |
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) |
| Non toxicity results in efficient gene delivery system Branched PEI consists of primary, secondary and tertiary amino group results in transfection applications attributed by its high buffering capacity |
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) |
| Cell viability and high stability Non-aggregated dispersed state makes excellent protectant in drug delivery systems especially for ophthalmic and buccal |
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) |
| Hindrance towards chemical hydrolysis Flexible and biocompatible Entangle hydrophobic drugs |
Poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) (PACC) |
| Biodegradable Easy preparation of nanoparticles in aqueous media Targeted drug delivery in brain by diffuse across tumour cell membrane |
