Redox and pH Dual Responsive Polymer Based Nanoparticles for In Vivo Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Responsive nanomaterials are crucial for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.
• Polymer-based nanoparticles offer versatile platforms for drug encapsulation and controlled release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polymer-based responsive nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) for enhanced cancer treatment.
• To investigate the dual responsive (redox and pH) drug release mechanism of these nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of DOX-loaded nanoparticles in cancer models.

Main Methods:

• Supramolecular assembly of polymer nanoparticles incorporating disulfide bonds.
• Loading of doxorubicin (DOX) into the responsive nanoparticles.
• In vitro assessment of drug release under reducing and acidic conditions.
• Evaluation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in cancer cells.
• In vivo studies using zebrafish larvae models to assess tumor reduction and viability.

Main Results:

• The developed nanoparticles demonstrated dual responsiveness to both redox and acidic environments, facilitating targeted drug release.
• In vitro studies showed significant cancer cell death and apoptosis induction.
• In vivo treatment of zebrafish larvae with DOX-loaded nanoparticles resulted in improved viability compared to free DOX.
• Confocal imaging confirmed a sustainable reduction in tumor size in zebrafish models.

Conclusions:

• Functional nanoparticles with dual responsive properties were successfully developed for cancer therapy.
• These nanoparticles show promise for effective in vitro and in vivo drug delivery, leading to reduced tumor burden and improved patient outcomes.