Protein-functionalized nanoparticles derived from end-functional polymers and polymer prodrugs for crossing the blood-brain barrier

Nanoparticles may provide a viable way for neuroprotective drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the passage of most drugs from the peripheral circulation to the brain. Heterotelechelic polymer prodrugs comprising a neuroprotective model drug (adenosine) and a maleimide functionality were synthesized by the "drug-initiated" approach and subsequent nitroxide exchange reaction. Nanoparticles were obtained by nanoprecipitation...