Journal: Nanoscale Advances

Article Title: Simultaneous activation and release of a microtubule inhibitor from amphiphilic polymeric nanoparticles

doi: 10.1039/d6na00763e

Figure Lengend Snippet: (a) Schematic representation of light-controlled inhibition of microtubule polymerisation by proPST-1-loaded polymer nanoparticles (proPST-1@PN). Under dark conditions, the encapsulated photocaged prodrug remains inactive, allowing normal microtubule formation. Upon 365 nm irradiation, photolytic uncaging and release of active cis -PST-1 suppress microtubule assembly. Created in BioRender. Singh, H. (2026) https://BioRender.com/fac5r0eT . (b) Tubulin polymerisation kinetics monitored by absorbance at 340 nm for control samples, empty polymer nanoparticles (PN control), and proPST-1@PN under dark and irradiated conditions. Irradiation of proPST-1@PN results in pronounced inhibition of tubulin polymerisation, whereas no inhibition is observed in the dark. (c) Fluorescence microscopy images of microtubule structures formed in the presence of control samples, proPST-1@PN under dark conditions, and irradiated proPST-1@PN. Normal microtubule growth and network formation are observed in control and dark conditions, while irradiation results in substantial disruption of microtubule assembly. Scale bars: 10 µm.

Article Snippet: Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy was performed on Nikon N-STORM microscopy system via excitation of the sample in green channel (561 nm laser, 10% intensity).

Techniques: Inhibition, Polymer, Irradiation, Control, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Disruption