Light-responsive Self-Immolative L-glutamic Acid-based Polyester Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Release via Passerini Three-Component Polymerization

L-glutamic acid(LA)is a bio-based,non-toxic,environmentally friendly material derived from biomass.The present study reports the application of Passerini three-component polymerization(P-3CP)for the straightforward preparation of LA-based light-responsive polyesters(PLTDs)under mild conditions.PLTDs with molar masses up to 8500 g/mol and high yields exceeding 90%are obtained.The chemical structures and light-responsive self-immolative behavior of PLTDs are comprehensively characterized by employing ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)spectroscopy,size exclusion chromatography(SEC),nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy,and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry(LC-MS).Meanwhile,monodisperse PLTD-based doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles(PLTD-DOX-NP)(size=193 nm,PDI=0.018)are formulated by nanoprecipitation method.Upon light-induced depolymerization,the PLTD-DOX-NP undergoes rapid decomposition,resulting in a burst release of 80%cargo within 13 s.Furthermore,according to biological toxicity tests,the PLTD-NP possesses adequate biosafety,both before and after irradiation.Overall,the incorporation of P-3CP with biorenewable LA-based monomer adheres to the principles of green chemistry,significantly simplifying the synthetic pathway of light-responsive polymers.