A tumor pH-responsive complex: carboxyl-modified hyperbranched polyether and cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II)

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Developing targeted drug delivery systems is crucial for improving cancer treatment efficacy.
• Tumor microenvironments exhibit acidic pH, presenting an opportunity for pH-responsive drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and prepare a pH-responsive polymer-platinum(II) complex for targeted delivery of cisplatin (CDDP).
• To evaluate the pH-targeting capability and antitumor efficacy of the developed complex.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of carboxyl-modified hyperbranched polyether (Suc-HPMHO).
• Complexation of Suc-HPMHO with cisplatin (CDDP).
• Assessment of pH-responsiveness, cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and antitumor effects.

Main Results:

• Suc-HPMHO-CDDP exhibited reversible pH-response, with adjustable pH sensitivity.
• The complex showed low cytotoxicity and comparable antitumor efficacy to free CDDP.
• Suc-HPMHO-CDDP demonstrated pH-dependent deposition in acidic tumor environments, enabling pH-targeting.

Conclusions:

• The developed Suc-HPMHO-CDDP complex is a promising pH-targeting drug delivery system for cancer therapy.
• This approach offers enhanced drug accumulation at tumor sites due to the acidic tumor pH.