Thermo- and pH responsive core–shell nanogels: Easy method of synthesis, properties and its use for the loading and releasing of organotin(IV) compounds

In this work, multicomponent responsive core–shell nanogels, based on crosslinked 2-(N,N-diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), homo- or copolymerized with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL), as the core, and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA, Mn=950 g mol^-1) as the shell, were synthesized by the Surfactant-Free Emulsion Polymerization (SFEP). Thermo- and pH responsive behavior was revealed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements showing nanogel expansion by decreasing pH and nanogel contraction by increasing temperature taking as reference normal physiological conditions. Nanogels composition was calculated by ¹H NMR, D_h was measured by DLS, thermal transitions were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The systems with the best properties were selected for the loading and releasing of diorganotin(IV) complexes which have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against different cancer cells lines. Results showed that the systems have the potential to be used as nanocarriers of metallodrugs towards cancer tissues.