Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Aptamer-Functionalized Hyperbranched Multiarm Copolymers for Targeted Cancer Imaging

A novel targeting cancer imaging platform based on aptamer-functionalized amphiphilic hyperbranched copolymer conjugates, which can self-assemble into nanoscopic micelles with a core–shell structure and a narrow size distribution, has been designed and synthesized. The size, morphology, fluorescence performance, and cytotoxicity of micelles were studied by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The results indicate that these micelles have low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells and can be easily internalized by MCF-7 cells. In addition, they also exhibit enhanced cell uptake, excellent fluorescence properties, and smart targeting capability in vitro, indicating great potential to be promising carriers for bioimaging and cancer specific delivery.