Molecular-integrated phospholipid polymer nanoparticles with highly biofunctionality

Surface modifications of nanoparticles with phospholipid polymers composed of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), are summarized. The MPC can be available for various polymerization methods such as conventional radical polymerization and living radical polymerization, and easily copolymerized with other vinyl compounds. The MPC polymers have been widely used as biocompatible coating and stabilizer for nanoparticles even when they are under biological environment. Additionally, for immobilization of biomolecules, such as antibody and enzyme, the MPC polymers having active ester group are applicable. These MPC polymers coated on the nanoparticles immobilize protein under mild condition and the protein maintained bioactivity well. Moreover, introduction of functional inorganic nanocrystals inside of the nanoparticles is effective to obtain good imaging tool for specific cells. The potential of molecular integration on nanoparticles based on MPC polymer chemistry will be expanded nanobiosensing, nanoimaging and nanodiagnostic system. Introduction