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Related Concept Videos

Micelles01:30

Micelles

Micelle formation is an intricate process that hinges on the properties of amphiphilic or amphipathic molecules and the conditions of the system in which they are found. Amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, play a critical role in this process.In aqueous environments, these molecules arrange themselves such that their hydrophilic heads are turned towards the water phase, while their hydrophobic tails are oriented away...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated01:30

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated

Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also called...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
09:57

A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles

Published on: December 23, 2016

pH-triggered reversible "stealth" polycationic micelles.

Jingxia Gu1, Woei-Ping Cheng, Jiguang Liu

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China.

Biomacromolecules
|December 22, 2007
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Novel "stealth" polycations feature a pH-responsive linker, enabling tunable cationic exposure for targeted drug delivery. This design enhances tumor targeting by leveraging acidic tumor microenvironments and endosomal pathways.

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07:32

Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles

Published on: August 28, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Developing effective drug delivery systems for solid tumors remains a significant challenge.
  • Conventional polycations often exhibit high cytotoxicity and hemolysis, limiting their therapeutic potential.
  • "Stealth" polymers, like polyethylene glycol (PEG), can reduce non-specific interactions but may also hinder cellular uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize amphiphilic polycations with a "stealth" cationic nature for targeted tumor drug delivery.
  • To create a pH-responsive system that can switch its surface properties in response to the tumor microenvironment.
  • To evaluate the potential of these "stealth" polycations as a tumor-targeting drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of amphiphilic polycations via PEGylation using a novel pH-responsive benzoic imine linker.
  • Characterization of the polymeric micelles formed from the synthesized polycations.
  • Evaluation of micellar stability and surface charge switching in response to pH changes.
  • Assessment of cytotoxicity and hemolysis at physiological and acidic pH conditions.

Main Results:

  • The synthesized amphiphilic polycations formed "stealth" micelles with a pH-switchable cationic surface.
  • The benzoic imine linker was stable at physiological pH but cleaved in acidic conditions (pH ~5-6).
  • At physiological pH, PEG shielding reduced cytotoxicity and hemolysis.
  • In acidic conditions mimicking tumor extracellular fluid or endosomes, PEG chains detached, exposing cationic surfaces and restoring membrane-disrupting ability.

Conclusions:

  • The developed amphiphilic "stealth" polycations offer a pH-responsive platform for drug delivery.
  • The tunable cationic surface charge enhances tumor targeting potential via endocytosis and endosomal trafficking.
  • These "stealth" polycations show promise for developing safer and more effective tumor-specific drug delivery systems.