Various fluorescently labeled copolymers of 2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC) and alkyl methacrylates, such as n-hexyl methacrylate (HMA), n-dodecyl methacrylate (DMA) and stearyl methacrylate (SMA), were synthesized and their localization in HeLa cells was examined. Results showed that the behaviors of the copolymers were varied by the alkylmethacrylate species. Poly(HMA-co-MPC) was non-cytotoxic, entered the cells and localized mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, poly(DMA-co-MPC) was cytotoxic and poly(SMA-co-MPC) hardly entered the cells. The anticipated mechanism of delivery is also reported in this article.
- Ryo Kojima
- Maria Carmelita Z Kasuya
- Kenichi Hatanaka
