Dual-functionalized PAMAM dendrimers with improved P-glycoprotein inhibition and tight junction modulating effect.

This study aims to surface modify poly(amido amine) or PAMAM dendrimers by sequentially grafting poly(ethylene glycol) or PEG and 4-thiobutylamidine (TBA) so as to reduce PAMAM cytotoxicity while improving the ability of PAMAM to modulate P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux and tight junction integrity. Conjugation of functional groups was determined by NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, thiol group quantification and molecular weight estimation. The yield of the dual-functionalized dendrimers was >80%. The dual-functionalized dendrimer could significantly reduce PAMAM cytotoxicity to <15% as reflected by LDH release in Caco-2 and MDCK/MDR1 cells after 72 h of exposure. Thiolated dendrimers could increase cellular accumulation and permeation of the P-gp substrate R-123, and such effect could be affected by the extent of PEGylation of the dendrimer. Surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers, either by single or dual functionalization, could better modulate tight junction integrity in comparison with unmodified PAMAM, as demonstrated through immunostaining of the tight junction marker ZO-1, permeation of the model compound Lucifer Yellow (LY) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Of importance, reversible tight junction modulating effect was only observed in the dual-functionalized dendrimers. Collectively, dual functionalization with PEG and TBA represented a promising approach in altering PAMAM dendrimer surface for potential application in oral drug delivery.