Since elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 is commonly observed in several malignant tumors, MMPs have been widely reported as key factors in the design of drug delivery systems. Several strategies have been proposed to develop MMPs-responsive nanoparticles to deliver chemotherapeutics to malignant solid tumors. A stimuli-responsive drug delivery system, which could...

A novel sulfobetaine block copolymer, poly(N-(morpholino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(4-(2-sulfoethyl)-1-(4-vinylbenzyl)pyridinium betaine) (PMEMA-b-PSVBP), was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. In aqueous solution, PMEMA homopolymer becomes insoluble in the presence of Na2SO4 (>0.6 M), whereas PSVBP homopolymer molecularly dissolves in the presence ...

Star-shaped polymer micelles have good stability against dilution with water, showing promising application in drug delivery. In this work, biodegradable micelles made from star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL/PEG) copolymer were prepared and used to deliver doxorubicin (Dox) in vitro and in vivo. First, an acrylated monomethoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)...

Polymeric micelles represent an effective delivery system for poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs. In this work, two types of CPT-conjugated polymers were synthesized based on poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) derivatives. Folic acid (FA) was introduced into the polymers as tumor targeting group. The micellization behaviors of these polymers and antitumor activity of different self-assembled micell...

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, the existence of cancer stem cells and lack of highly efficient early detection may account for the poor survival rate. Gadolinium ion-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) provide opportunities for combining fluorescent with magnetic resonance imaging, and they can improve the diagnostic efficacy of early pancr...

The present study aimed to prepare and evaluate polymeric micelles conjugated with folic acid through α- or γ-carboxyl groups for antitumor efficacy. The isomeric block copolymers, α- and γ-folate-polyethyleneglycol- distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (α- and γ-Fol-PEG-DSPE), were produced by solid phase peptide synthesis. Three types of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polymeric micelles (MPEG-DSPE-D...

BACKGROUND Supramolecular micelles as drug-delivery vehicles are generally unable to enter the nucleus of nondividing cells. In the work reported here, nuclear localization signal (NLS)-modified polymeric micelles were studied with the aim of improving nuclear drug delivery. METHODS In this research, cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan (CHGC) was synthesized. NLS-conjugated CHGC (NCHGC) was ...

In this work, we aim to develop a dual drug delivery system (DDDS) of self-assembled micelles in thermosensitive hydrogel composite to deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRPC) therapy. In our previous studies, we found that poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCEC) copolymers with different molecular we...

Novel casein (CAS)-based micelles loaded with the poorly soluble anti-cancer drug, flutamide (FLT), were successfully developed in a powdered form via spray-drying technique. Genipin (GNP) was used to crosslink CAS micelles as demonstrated by color variation of the micelles. Drug solubilization was enhanced by incorporation within the hydrophobic micellar core which was confirmed by solubility ...