Dual Location Dual Reduction/Photoresponsive Block Copolymer Micelles: Disassembly and Synergistic Release

Self-assembled micellar systems designed with multiple stimuli-responsive degradation have been considered as effective candidates for polymer-based delivery systems exhibiting enhanced/controlled release. However, most conventional approaches involve the incorporation of single, dual, or multiple cleavable linkages positioned at single locations, as in hydrophobic cores or at core/corona interfaces. Herein, a novel dual location dual reduction and photoresponsive block copolymer containing a disulfide linkage at the block junction and pendant o-nitrobenzyl thioether (NBS) groups in the hydrophobic methacrylate block (PEG-ss-PhvM) are reported, which are synthesized by a combination of controlled radical polymerization and facile coupling reaction. The amphiphilic design of the PEG-ss-PhvM enables the formation of self-assembled micellar aggregates with disulfides at the core/corona interfaces and pendant photocleavable NBS groups in the hydrophobic cores. The dual cleavable linkages respond to each stimulus (GSH or light), exhibiting enhanced release; further to a combination of dual locational stimuli, promoting synergistic release at dual locations.