N⁶-Cbz-L-lysine exhibits multiple application potentials in drug delivery systems. Relevant research mainly focuses on its use as a raw material for preparing special polymer carriers to achieve functions such as drug targeting and controlled release. The specific progress is as follows:
For preparing stimuli-responsive polymer carriers: N⁶-Cbz-L-lysine can be used as a raw material to prepare polymer carriers with dual pH and redox stimuli responsiveness. First, it reacts with triphosgene to prepare N-Cbz-L-lysine-N-carboxyanhydride, which is then further reacted to obtain the polypeptide PEG-P (N-Cbz-Lys). After loading anti-tumor drugs, this polymer carrier can accumulate in tumor cells, especially in breast cancer cells MCF-7, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. At the same time, it reduces drug release in normal tissues and cells, lowering drug toxicity.
Constructing amphiphilic short peptide-grafted hyperbranched polymers: N⁶-Cbz-L-lysine is one of the raw materials for synthesizing amphiphilic short peptide-grafted hyperbranched polymers. These hyperbranched polymers carry a large number of positive charges and can be adsorbed onto the cell membranes of tumor cells and bacteria (which are negatively charged) through electrostatic interactions. Their amphiphilic short peptides can insert into the cell membrane to form transmembrane channels, causing the contents of tumors and bacteria to flow out, achieving a killing effect. In addition, the hyperbranched structure contains a large number of internal cavities, which have the potential to realize drug encapsulation and sustained release, and exhibit excellent killing effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and human malignant melanoma cells.
Preparing nanoformulations for pancreatic cancer treatment: Lys (Cbz)-NCA can be synthesized from N⁶-Cbz-L-lysine and triphosgene using the Fuchs-Farthing method, which is then used to prepare nanoformulations for on-demand drug delivery across the inherent barriers of pancreatic cancer. This nanoformulation can circulate stably in the body for a long time, has significant solid tumor accumulation ability, and can effectively deliver drugs to tumor sites. It responds to hypoxic conditions in the tumor microenvironment, releases drugs on demand, and achieves chemotherapy sensitization through multi-target joint regulation, thereby improving anti-tumor efficacy.
Participating in the preparation of pro-angiogenic microparticle systems: L-lysine is involved in angiogenesis, regeneration, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. N⁶-Cbz-L-lysine can be used as a raw material for synthesizing related substances, indirectly contributing to the preparation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticle systems loaded with L-lysine. This microparticle system has good biocompatibility, can support cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and is expected to serve as an economical and effective system for promoting angiogenesis and rapid healing.
