Abstract: Amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) were prepared comprising a poly(ethylene oxide) block and a biodegradable polycarbonate block functionalized with disulfide groups and carboxylic acid groups. The BCPs form self-assembled micellar particles in aqueous solution that can be loaded with hydrophobic drugs for therapeutic drug delivery. The loaded particles have small particle sizes (<100 nm), narrow particle size distributions, and high drug loading capacity (up to about 50 wt %) based on total dry weight of the loaded particles. Particles loaded with DOX released the DOX in response to changes in pH and glutathione (GSH) redox chemistry. The loaded particles efficiently delivered and released DOX within tumor cells, effectively suppressing growth of the tumor cells at a similar or even lower drug concentration than free DOX. Blank particles containing no DOX did not induce cytotoxicity to cells.

Abstract: Amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) were prepared comprising a poly(ethylene oxide) block and a biodegradable polycarbonate block functionalized with disulfide groups and carboxylic acid groups. The BCPs form self-assembled micellar particles in aqueous solution that can be loaded with hydrophobic drugs for therapeutic drug delivery. The loaded particles have small particle sizes (<100 nm), narrow particle size distributions, and high drug loading capacity (up to about 50 wt %) based on total dry weight of the loaded particles. Particles loaded with DOX released the DOX in response to changes in pH and glutathione (GSH) redox chemistry. The loaded particles efficiently delivered and released DOX within tumor cells, effectively suppressing growth of the tumor cells at a similar or even lower drug concentration than free DOX. Blank particles containing no DOX did not induce cytotoxicity to cells.

Abstract: A porous biomaterial-filler composite comprising a biomaterial, such as collagen, interspersed with a calcium phosphate-type filler material. The porosity of the composite is similar to that of natural bone and can feature a pore size ranging from a few nanometres to greater than 100 microns. Scaffolds prepared from the biomaterial-filler composite are suitable for resorbable bone substitute materials.

Abstract: Quantum dots, each having a core comprising CdTe and a shell comprising GSH covering the core, are provided. The Quantum dots can be formed in a solution comprising a telluride (Te) precursor and a cadmium (Cd) precursor for forming the cores, and glutathione (GSH) for forming shells covering the cores. The cores can comprise CdTe nanocrystals grown in the solution. The growth of the nanocrystals can be limited. The quantum dots can have high fluorescence emission quantum yield such as up to about 45%, and small sizes such as from about 3.8 nm to about 6 nm.