Stably-dispersed and Surface-functional Bionanoparticles Prepared by Self-assembling Amphipathic Polymers of Hydrophilic Poly(γ-glutamic acid) Bearing Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Abstract Surface-functional bionanoparticles were prepared by self-assembling amphipathic poly(γ-glutamic acid) derivatives with a hydrophilic backbone and hydrophobic phenylalanine and leucine side groups. Poly(γ-glutamic acid) bearing phenylalanine nanospheres exhibited excellent water-dispersibility, surface functionality and appropriate size (200 nm) for medical use. Additive PEG conjugation assisted nanoparticle formation of leucine-grafted poly(γ-glutamic acid).