Hypochlorite activated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-core poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide)-shell microgels—An oxidant with the potential to kill cells

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) core/poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) shell microgels react with dilute alkaline bleach, forming chloramides primarily in the PNIPAM core. The resulting microgels are colloidally stable in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) at body temperature because the PNIPMAM shell provides steric stabilization. Selective chloramide formation of the PNIPAM cores reflects the low tendency of the PNIPMAM shell to react with hypochlorite. The chlorinated core/shell microgels can be cleaned and stored. Because PNIPAM chloramide can oxidize 2-mercaptoethanol and glutathione, the chlorinated core/shell microgels may have applications in targeted cell death.