In vitro evaluation of polymeric micelles based on hydrophobically-modified sulfated chitosan as a carrier of doxorubicin

Four types of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polymeric micelles based on hydrophobically-modified sulfated chitosan (SCTS) were prepared. The hydrophobic group was composed of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), cholic acid, stearic acid (SA) or lauric aldehyde. DOX encapsulation depended on several parameters, including the degree of substitution of the sulfate group and the hydrophobic group, and the type of hydrophobic group. Of these micelles, GA-SCTS micelles had the best capability to solubilize DOX. In addition, GA-SCTS micelles had the ability to target HepG(2) cells, and the IC50 for DOX-loaded GA-SCTS micelles was 54.7?ng/mL, which was much lower than that of the other micelles. Further studies on the DOX-loaded GA-SCTS micelles showed that they were stable in salt and protein solutions, in cell culture media, and during long-term storage (6?months). Based on these results, these micelles may be a promising DOX-encapsulated formulation, particularly, GA-SCTS as a potential vehicle for liver-targeted delivery.     

M13 bacteriophage-polymer nanoassemblies as drug delivery vehicles

Poly(caprolactone-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PCL-P2VP) coated with folate-conjugated M13 (FA-M13) provides a nanosized delivery system which is capable of encapsulating hydrophobic antitumor drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX-loaded FA-M13-PCL-P2VP assemblies had an average diameter of approximately 200 nm and their structure was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The particles were stable at physiological pH but could be degraded at a lower pH. The release of DOX from the nanoassemblies under acidic conditions was shown to be significantly faster than that observed at physiological pH. In addition, the DOX-loaded FA-M13-PCL-P2VP particles showed a distinctly greater cellular uptake and cytotoxicity against folate-receptor-positive cancer cells than folate-receptor-negative cells, indicating that the receptor facilitates folate uptake via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, the DOX-loaded particles also had a significantly higher tumor uptake and selectivity compared to free DOX. This study therefore offers a new way to fabricate nanosized drug delivery vehicles.     

Glycyrrhetinic acid-functionalized degradable micelles as liver-targeted drug carrier

Recently, many efforts have been devoted to investigating the application of functionalized micelles as targeted drug delivery carriers. In this study, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA, a liver targeting ligand) modified poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate) micelles were prepared and evaluated as a potential liver-targeted drug carrier. The aggregation behavior, stability, size and morphology of the micelles were investigated. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in the micelles. The drug release profile, in vivo distribution and the cytotoxicity against hepatic carcinoma QGY-7703 cells of DOX-loaded micelles were studied. The results indicated that the release profile was pH-dependent with Fickian diffusion kinetics. The micelles were remarkably targeted to the liver, inducing a 4.9-fold higher DOX concentration than that for free DOX·HCl. The DOX-loaded micelles exhibited almost twofold more potent cytotoxicity compared with DOX·HCl, and the cytotoxicity was time- and dosage-dependent. These results suggest that GA-functionalized micelles represent a promising carrier for drug delivery to the liver.     

Preparation and properties of a novel drug delivery system with both magnetic and biomolecular targeting

By loading doxorubicin (DOX) on 5-carboxyl-fluorescein (FAM) labeled AGKGTPSLETTP peptide (A54) coupled starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (SIONs), we prepared a novel aqueous drug delivery system with both magnetic and biomolecular targeting, which was specific to human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402. The saturated extent of adsorption reached 2.0 mg DOX/mg A54-SIONs at 28°C, which provided a rather high dose of DOX loading for application. Tests in vitro demonstrated the specificity of DOX-loaded A54-SIONs to BEL-7402 cells. The microscopy images proved that DOX-loaded A54-SIONs were successfully targeted to tumor tissue of nude mice with an external magnetic field in vivo. MTT assay showed higher cytostatic effect of DOX-loaded A54-SIONs to hepatocellular carcinoma cells BEL-7402 than that of DOX-loaded SIONs.     

pH值响应性透明质酸纳米粒的制备及作为阿霉素载体的研究

通过化学交联法合成组氨酸修饰透明质酸耦合物(His-HA),制备载阿霉素纳米粒,分析其pH值响应性和抗肿瘤特征.研究显示,随着pH值的降低(7.4～5.5),纳米粒的粒径增大(230～780nm),zeta电位升高,载药纳米粒的体外释放量增加.细胞毒性实验显示粒径＜300nm的载药纳米粒具更高的毒性.细胞摄入实验表明,阿霉素通过受体介导的胞吞和载药纳米粒的胞外释放两种途径被细胞摄入.以上研究显示组氨酸修饰透明质酸纳米粒具有显著的pH值响应性,具备作为阿霉素药物载体的应用前景.     

High drug loading polymer micelle@ZIF-8 hybrid core–shell nanoparticles through donor–receptor coordination interaction for pH/H2O2-responsive drug release

Smart drug delivery nanocarriers with high drug loading capacity are of great importance in the treatment of diseases, and can improve therapeutic effectiveness as well as alleviate side effects in patients. In this work, a pH and H₂O₂-responsive drug delivery platform with high doxorubicin (DOX) loading capacity has been established through coordination interaction between DOX and phenylboronic acid containing block polymer. A composited drug nanocarrier is further fabricated by growing a zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) on the surface of drug-loaded polymer micelles. The study verifies that ZIF-8 shell can act as intelligent “switch” to prevent DOX leaking from core–shell nanoparticles upon H₂O₂ stimulus. However, a burst drug release is detected upon pH and H₂O₂ stimuli due to the further disassociation of ZIF-8 in acid solution. Moreover, the in vitro anti-cancer experiments demonstrate that the DOX-loaded core–shell nanoparticles provide effective treatment towards cancer cells but have negligible effect on normal cells, which results from the high concentration of H₂O₂ and low pH in the microenvironment of tumor cells.     

具有吗啉侧基的聚氨基酸嵌段共聚物的控制释放研究

通过大分子引发开环聚合和侧基改性,制备了一种侧链含有吗啉丙基的聚乙二醇-聚(吗啉丙基-天冬酰胺)-聚丙氨酸三嵌段共聚物。利用肿瘤细胞外、细胞内和正常组织pH值环境的差异,调节聚合物载药纳米粒子的结构和性能实现肿瘤部位靶向释放的目的。在水溶液中,此聚合物可自组装形成一种核-壳-冠型的3层共聚物胶束,其中疏水性的聚丙氨酸链段自聚集形成胶束的核,聚(吗啉丙基-天冬酰胺)链段形成具有pH值-响应性的壳层,用于包埋和释放药物,外围的聚乙二醇链段可以提供一个稳定的水合冠层,延长药物的体内循环时间。以阿霉素作为模型药物在自组装的过程中包埋到胶束内。研究发现,由于吗啉环在酸性条件下的质子化导致链段亲疏水性质发生明显变化,载药胶束的药物释放能力随环境pH值的降低药物的释放速率显著增加。     

Pluronic F127 nanomicelles engineered with nuclear localized functionality for targeted drug delivery

PKKKRKV (Pro-Lys-Lys-Lys-Arg-Lys-Val, PV7), a seven amino acid peptide, has emerged as one of the primary nuclear localization signals that can be targeted into cell nucleus via the nuclear import machinery. Taking advantage of chemical diversity and biological activities of this short peptide sequence, in this study, Pluronic F127 nanomicelles engineered with nuclear localized functionality were successfully developed for intracellular drug delivery. These nanomicelles with the size ~ 100 nm were self-assembled from F127 polymer that was flanked with two PV7 sequences at its both terminal ends. Hydrophobic anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) with inherent fluorescence was chosen as the model drug, which was found to be efficiently encapsulated into nanomicelles with the encapsulation efficiency at 72.68%. In comparison with the non-functionalized namomicelles, the microscopic observation reveals that PV7 functionalized nanomicelles display a higher cellular uptake, especially into the nucleus of HepG2 cells, due to the nuclear localization signal effects. Both cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies show that the DOX-loaded nanomicelles were more potent than drug nanomicelles without nuclear targeting functionality. It was thus concluded that PV7 functionalized nanomicelles could be a potentially alternative vehicle for nuclear targeting drug delivery.     

Glucose-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and their specific interaction with tumor cells

A novel targeted drug delivery system, glucose-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles （GCNPs）, was developed for specific recognition and interaction with glucose transporters （Gluts） over-expressed by tumor cells. GC was synthesized by using succinic acid as a linker between glucosamine and chitosan （CS）, and successful synthesis was confirmed by NMR and elemental analysis. GCNPs were prepared by ionic crosslinking method, and characterized in terms of morphology, size, and zeta potential. The optimally prepared nanoparticles showed spherical shapes with an average particle size of （187.9 ± 3.8） nm and a zeta potential of （-15.43 ± 0.31） mV. The GCNPs showed negligible cytotoxicity to mouse embryo fibroblast and 4T1 cells. Doxorubicin （DOX） could be efficiently entrapped into GCNPs, with a loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of 20.11% and 64.81%, respectively. DOX-Ioaded nanoparticles exhibited sustained-release behavior in phosphate buffered saline （pH 7.4）. In vitro cellular uptake studies showed that the GCNPs had better endocytosis ability than CSNPs, and the antitumor activity of DOX/GCNPs was 4-5 times effectiveness in 4T1 cell killing than that of DOX/CSNPs. All the results demonstrate that nanoparticles decorated with glucose have specific interactions with cancer cells via the recognition between glucose and Gluts. Therefore, Gluts-targeted GCNPs may be promising delivery agents in cancer therapies.     

Polymeric micelles modified by folate-PEG-lipid for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells in vitro

A novel technique was developed for the formation of ligand-targeted polymeric micelles that can be applicable to various ligands. For tumor-specific drug delivery, camptothecin (CPT)-loaded polymeric micelles were modified by folate to produce a folate-receptor-targeted drug carrier. Folate-linked PEG5000-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (folate-PEG5000-DSPE) was added when preparations of drug-loaded polymeric micelles, resulting in folate ligands exposed to the surface. Folate-modified CPT-loaded polymeric micelles (F-micelle) were evaluated by measuring cellular uptake using a flow cytometer, fluorescence microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and by cytotoxicity measurement. The results revealed that F-micelle showed higher cellular uptake in KB cells overexpressing folate receptor (FR) and higher cytotoxicity compared with non-folate modified CPT-loaded polymeric micelles (plain micelles) in KB cells, but not in FR-negative HepG2 cells. This result indicated that polymeric micelles were successfully modified by the folate-linked lipid.     

Intelligent anticancer drug delivery performances of two poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based magnetite nanohydrogels

This article evaluates the anticancer drug delivery performances of two nanohydrogels composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-itaconic anhydride) [P(NIPAAm-co-IA)], poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. For this purpose, the magnetite nanohydrogels (MNHGs) were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as a universal anticancer drug. The morphologies and magnetic properties of the DOX-loaded MNHGs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating–sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The sizes and zeta potentials (ξ) of the MNHGs and their corresponding DOX-loaded nanosystems were also investigated. The DOX-loaded MNHGs showed the highest drug release values at condition of 41?°C and pH 5.3. The drug-loaded MNHGs at physiological condition (pH 7.4 and 37?°C) exhibited negligible drug release values. In vitro cytotoxic effects of the DOX-loaded MNHGs were extensively evaluated through the assessing survival rate of HeLa cells using the MTT assay, and there in vitro cellular uptake into the mentioned cell line were examined using fluorescent microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) flow cytometry analyses. As the results, the DOX-loaded MNHG1 exhibited higher anticancer drug delivery performance in the terms of cytotoxic effect and in vitro cellular uptake. Thus, the developed MNHG1 can be considered as a promising de novo drug delivery system, in part due to its pH and thermal responsive drug release behavior as well as proper magnetite character toward targeted drug delivery.     

Efficient delivery of antitumor drug to the nuclei of tumor cells by amphiphilic biodegradable poly(L-aspartic acid-co-lactic acid)/DPPE co-polymer nanoparticles

The use of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for controlled drug delivery has shown significant therapeutic potential. Polyaspartic acid and polylactic acid are the most intensively studied biodegradable polymers. In the present study, novel amphiphilic biodegradable co-polymer NPs, poly(L-aspartic acid-co-lactic acid) with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE) (poly(AA-co-LA)/DPPE) is synthesized and subsequently used to encapsulate an antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX). The formulation parameters of the NPs are optimized to improve encapsulation efficiency. The resulting drug-loaded NPs possess better size homogeneity (polydispersity) and exhibit pH-responsive drug release profiles. Cellular viability assays indicate that the poly(AA-co-LA)/DPPE NPs did not induce cell death, whereas doxorubicin encapsulated NPs were cytotoxic to various types of tumor cells. In addition, the free NPs could not enter the cell nuclei after internalized in tumor cells. The DOX-loaded NPs exhibit efficient intracellular delivery in tumor cells with co-localization in lysosome and delay entering into the nucleus, which suggests a time- and pH-dependent drug release profile within cells. When applied to deliver chemotherapeutics to a mouse xenograft model of human lung adenocarcinoma, DOX-loaded NPs have a comparable antitumor activity with free DOX, and greatly reduce systemic toxicity and mortality. The delivery of cytotoxic drugs directly to the nucleus specifically within tumor cells is of great interest. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the application of the amphiphilic polyaspartic acid derivative, poly(AA-co-LA)/DPPE, as a nanocarrier for cell nuclear delivery of potent antitumor drugs.     

In vitro evaluation of a novel pH sensitive drug delivery system based cockle shell-derived aragonite nanoparticles against osteosarcoma

ABSTRACT

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant primary bone cancer. Severe side effects and multidrug resistance are obstacles faced with chemotherapy against OS. With the hope to overcome the obstacles of the conventional chemotherapy, various targeted drug delivery systems using nanotechnology have been explored in the past few decades. Biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) has great potential to be a smart drug delivery system.

Results: In this study, cockle shells-derived aragonite nanoparticles (ANPs) were developed and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). The physicochemical properties of the DOX-loaded ANPs (DOX-ANPs) were characterised by various techniques. The results of drug-loading study demonstrated that DOX was loaded onto ANPs at high loading and encapsulation efficiency (11.09% and 99.58%, respectively). The pH-sensitive release of DOX from DOX-ANPs was successful. At lower pH values (4.8), the release of DOX was much quicker than that at pH 7.4. Additionally, cellular uptake study using fluorescence microscopy showed obviously cellular uptake of DOX-ANPs through endocytosis. Moreover, the flow cytometric analysis revealed DOX-ANPs-induced cell cycle arrest, which was consistent with the mechanism of DOX. DOX-ANPs also showed an efficient cytotoxicity against OS cancer cells, close to the toxicity effect of free DOX at the same concentration. Morphological observations showed microvilli disappearance, chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and formation of apoptotic bodies, which confirmed both DOX-ANPs- and DOX-induced apoptosis of OS cancer cells in vitro.

Conclusion: Our findings indicated that ANPs could act as a pH-sensitive drug delivery against OS.     

Synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-SS-poly(ε-caprolactone)-SS-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymers via end-group conjugation and self-assembly for reductively responsive drug delivery

In this study, we describe a simple synthesis route to prepare triblock copolymers with disulfide-linkers, poly(ethylene glycol)-SS-poly(ε-caprolactone)-SS-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-SS-PCL-SS-PEG) for application in the reductively responsive release of doxorubicin (DOX). To synthesize PEG-SS-PCL-SS-PEG, two end-groups of PCL-diol were first modified with cystamine to introduce disulfide bonds and subsequently conjugated with PEG-NHS via carbodiimide chemistry. PEG-SS-PCL-SS-PEG fabricated into polymeric micelles with stable structure and different nanoscale sizes via adjusting the PCL chain length, showing obvious reductive responsiveness and fast drug release of encapsulated DOX in the presence of glutathione (GSH). Moreover, DOX-loaded PEG-SS-PCL-SS-PEG micelles exhibited higher therapeutic efficacy than reduction-insensitive PEG-b-PCL micelles in vitro. Thus, end-groups conjugation is a simple and straightforward strategy to introduce intelligent responsiveness in biocompatible block copolymers and improve their therapeutic efficacy.     

Doxorubicin-loaded polymeric micelle overcomes multidrug resistance of cancer by double-targeting folate receptor and early endosomal pH

An optimized, pH-sensitive mixed-micelle system conjugated with folic acid is prepared in order to challenge multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancers. The micelles are composed of poly(histidine (His)-co-phenylalanine (Phe))-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA)-b-PEG-folate. Core-forming, pH-sensitive hydrophobic blocks of poly(His-co-Phe) of varying composition are synthesized. The pH sensitivity of the micelles is controlled by the copolymer composition and is fine tuned to early endosomal pH by blending PLLA(3K)-b-PEG(2K)-folate in the presence of a basic anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). In vitro tests are conducted against both wild-type (A2780) and DOX-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell lines. A mixed-micelle system composed of poly(His-co-Phe (16 mole%))-b-PEG (80 wt%) and PLLA-b-PEG-folate (20 wt%) is selected to target early endosomal pH. DOX-loaded micelles effectively kill both wild-type sensitive (A2780) and DOX-resistant ovarian MDR cancer-cell lines (A2780/DOX(R)) through an instantaneous high dose of DOX in the cytosol, which results from active internalization, accelerated DOX release triggered by endosomal pH, and an endosomal membrance disruption.     

Smart Nanovehicles Based on pH‐Triggered Disassembly of Supramolecular Peptide‐Amphiphiles for Efficient Intracellular Drug Delivery

A novel type of nanovehicle (NV) based on stimuli‐responsive supramolecular peptide‐amphiphiles (SPAs, dendritic poly (L‐lysine) non‐covalently linked poly (L‐leucine)) is developed for intracellular drug delivery. To determine the pH‐dependent mechanism, the supramolecular peptide‐amphiphile system (SPAS) is investigated at different pH conditions using a variety of physical and chemical approaches. The pH‐triggered disassembly of SPAS can be attributed to the disappearance of non‐covalent interactions within SPAs around the isoelectric point of poly (L‐leucine). SPAS is found to encapsulate guest molecules at pH 7.4 but release them at pH 6.2. In this way, SPAS is able to act as a smart NV to deliver its target to tumor cells using intracellular pH as a trigger. The DOX‐loaded NVs are approximately 150 nm in size. In vitro release profiles and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of HepG2 cells confirm that lower pH conditions can trigger the disassembly of NVs and so achieve pH‐dependent intracellular DOX delivery. In vitro cytotoxicity of the DOX‐loaded NVs to HepG2 cells demonstrate that the smart NVs enhance the efficacy of hydrophobic DOX. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and CLSM results show that the NVs can enhance the endocytosis of DOX into HepG2 cells considerably and deliver DOX to the nuclei.     

Folate-conjugated pH-responsive nanocarrier designed for active tumor targeting and controlled release of doxorubicin

A novel type of amphiphilic pH-responsive folate-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-co-poly(2-(dimethylamino)-ethylmethacrylate) (FA-PCL-b-P(HEMA-co-DMAEMA)) (MFP) block copolymers were designed and synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) techniques. The molecular structures of the copolymers were confirmed with ¹H NMR, FTIR and GPC measurements. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of MFP in aqueous solution was extremely low (about 6.54 mg/L). The in vitro release behavior of DOX-loaded micelles was significantly accelerated when the pH value of solution decreased from 7.4 to 5.0. In vitro antitumor efficiency was evaluated by incubating DOX-loaded micelles with Hela cells. The results demonstrated that this copolymer possessed excellent biocompatibility, and FA-decorated micelles MFP showed higher cellular uptake than those micelles without the FA moiety, indicating their unique targetability. These folate-conjugated biodegradable micelles are highly promising for targeted cancer chemothe-rapy.     

Nanoparticles of deoxycholic acid,polyethylene glycol and folic acid-modified chitosan for targeted delivery of doxorubicin

Chitosan (CS) was first modified hydrophobically with deoxycholic acid (DCA) and then with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain a novel amphiphilic polymer (CS–DCA–PEG). This was covalently bound to folic acid (FA) to develop nanoparticles (CS–DCA–PEG–FA) with tumor cell targeting property. The structure of the conjugates was characterised using Fourier transform infrared and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Based on self-aggregation, the conjugates formed nanoparticles with a low critical aggregation concentration of 0.035 mg/ml. The anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the nanoparticles with a drug-loading capacity of 30.2 wt%. The mean diameter of the DOX-loaded nanoparticles was about 200 nm, with a narrow size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the DOX-loaded nanoparticles were spherical. The drug release was studied under different conditions. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activities of DOX in CS–DCA–PEG–FA nanoparticles against folate receptor (FR)-positive HeLa cells and FR-negative fibroblast 3T3 cells were evaluated. These results suggested that the CS–DCA–PEG–FA nanoparticles may be a promising vehicle for the targeting anticancer drug to tumor cells.     

Characterizing poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-b-chitooligosaccharide-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCP) copolymer micelles for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery: effects of crosslinked of amine groups

New amine-groups containing tri-block copolymers and micelles that consisting of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-b-chitooligosaccharide-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-b-COS-b-PEG, PCP), were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for delivering doxorubicin (DOX) with or without crosslinked amine groups by genipin. The characteristics of the PCP copolymers of Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) verify the amine and ester groups of the COS and the PCL of the copolymers, respectively. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra verify the structures of the PCP copolymers consisting two PCL and PEG polymers reacted onto the COS block. In addition, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) determines the number average molecular weight of the tri-block copolymers (Mn) of approximately 11340 Da/mole. The PCP copolymers can self-assemble to form polymeric micelles at the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1.0 microM as determined by the UV-VIS absorption spectra. The mean diameter of the PCP micelles is 90 nm, as determined using a dynamic light-scattering (DLS) analyzer. Moreover, the zeta potentials of PCP micelles change from neutral to cationic state when pH of suspension mediums varied from 7.4 to 3.0. For evaluating delivery characteristics of hydrophobic DOX, it was loaded into PCP micelles with or without crosslinked by genipin. The burst release and release period of DOX for the crosslinked micelles are significantly reduced (P < 0.003, n = 3, for pH = 7.4) and sustained (e.g., 8 days), respectively, than those non-crosslinked ones (e.g., 4 days). In conclusion, new tri-block amine groups containing PCP copolymers are synthesized that can self-assemble as PCP micelles. After post-crosslinked amine groups of DOX loaded the micelles, they can effectively reduce the burst release and sustain the release of DOX at different pH dissolution mediums. Further applications of PCP copolymers and micelles for drug delivery can be explored in future.     

Amphiphilic polymer–drug conjugates based on acid-sensitive 100% hyperbranched polyacetals for cancer therapy

A new type of acid-sensitive 100% hyperbranched polyacetals (HBPA) was synthesized, which could be completely degraded into small molecules under acidic environment and avoid the accumulative toxicity in vivo. The AB₂ monomer was synthesized by 4-carboxybenzaldehyde and 2-bromoethanol. The bulk polycondensation was carried out in vacuum environment to remove water byproduct. The massive terminal aldehyde groups of HBPA were conjugated with mPEG-NH₂ and doxorubicins to form amphiphilic acid-sensitive polymer–drug conjugates (DOX-HBPA-PEG). The stability of the micelles of DOX-HBPA-PEG was evaluated by DLS at different pH value in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The DOX release in vitro showed that the cumulative release rate was 14.51% in pH 7.4 PBS after 24 h and the cumulative release rate was 48.56% in pH 6.0 PBS after 24 h. The results of cell viability of DOX-HBPA-PEG and HBPA-PEG showed that the polymer–DOX conjugates were effective drug delivery systems. The uptake process of DOX-HBPA-PEG by A549 cells showed that the micelle was totally swallowed in 1 h later. The controllable drug release nature, stability, biocompatibility and completely degradable structures (acid-sensitive) make them to be promising drug delivery systems.