Formation of nanoparticles by cooperative inclusion between (S)-camptothecin-modified dextrans and β-cyclodextrin polymers

Novel (S)-camptothecin–dextran polymers were obtained by “click” grafting of azide-modified (S)-camptothecin and alkyne-modified dextrans. Two series based on 10 kDa and 70 kDa dextrans were prepared with a degree of substitution of (S)-camptothecin between 3.1 and 10.2%. The binding properties with β-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin polymers were measured by isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy, showing no binding with β-cyclodextrin but high binding with β-cyclodextrin polymers. In aqueous solution nanoparticles were formed from association between the (S)-camptothecin–dextran polymers and the β-cyclodextrin polymers.