pH-responsive robust polymer micelles with metal-ligand coordinated core cross-links

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polymer micelles are promising drug delivery vehicles.
• Achieving controlled drug release in specific cellular environments remains a challenge.
• Endosomal acidification is a key trigger for intracellular drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer pH-responsive core-shell polymer micelles.
• To incorporate catechol-Fe(3+) coordinated cross-links for enhanced micelle stability.
• To facilitate the intracellular release of anticancer drugs in response to acidic pH.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of core-shell polymer micelles.
• Incorporation of catechol-Fe(3+) coordination for cross-linking.
• Evaluation of pH-responsiveness and drug release kinetics.
• Assessment of micelle stability under physiological and endosomal conditions.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated robust, pH-responsive core-shell polymer micelles.
• Catechol-Fe(3+) cross-links provided structural integrity to the micelles.
• Demonstrated facilitated intracellular drug release at acidic pH mimicking endosomal conditions.
• Enhanced drug loading and stability compared to non-cross-linked micelles.

Conclusions:

• pH-responsive polymer micelles with catechol-Fe(3+) cross-links are effective for targeted anticancer drug delivery.
• The developed system offers improved micelle robustness and controlled drug release.
• This platform holds potential for enhanced cancer therapy by leveraging endosomal pH changes.