A1. Use of controlled RAFT polymerization to produce block copolymers with relatively low dispersities.
A2. Synthesis and characterization of stimuli responsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers bearing two anti-cancer drugs (DOX and PTX), attached to their side chains.
A3. Attachment of monoclonal antibody (anti-PMEL) targeting the melanoma specific antigen PMEL17.
A4. Understanding of the self-assembly behaviour of the novel amphiphilic diblock copolymers
A5. Test of the reversibility and selectivity of the micelles at different pH values over time.
B. Test of cellular internalization and efficacy by performing the following steps:
B1. Performance of cytotoxicity tests to study effects on malignant cells and healthy melanocytes.
B2. Determination of the concentration of the drug loaded nanocarriers required for 20% and 50% inhibition in vitro (IC20 and IC50 respectively).
B3. Comparison of drug loaded nanocarrier effectiveness by comparing to free drug treatment and treatment using single drug loaded nanocarriers.
B4. Determination of the effect on cellular migration after treatment with drug loaded nanocarriers.
B5. Study of drug loaded nanocarrier internalization by melanoma cells using an endosome specific marker and fluorescence microscopy.
