Enhanced bioreduction-responsive biodegradable diselenide-containing poly(ester urethane) nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers face challenges in clinical translation due to insufficient sensitivity and response rates.
• Achieving adequate drug concentration at target sites is crucial for effective cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an enhanced bioreduction-responsive and biodegradable nanocarrier for improved drug delivery.
• To investigate the self-assembly, disassembly, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy of novel copolymers.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of amphiphilic poly(ester urethane) copolymers (PAUR-SeSe) with diselenide groups.
• Characterization of micelle formation, size (68 nm), and disassembly in reductive environments.
• Evaluation of drug release, cellular uptake, and in vitro antitumor activity (CCK8 assay) of DOX-loaded micelles.

Main Results:

• PAUR-SeSe copolymers self-assembled into stable micelles.
• Rapid micelle disassembly and enhanced drug release were observed in reductive conditions.
• DOX-loaded PAUR-SeSe micelles exhibited significantly higher antitumor activity than PAUR-SS analogues.
• Blank micelles and degradation products demonstrated good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed PAUR-SeSe nanocarrier exhibits enhanced bioreduction responsiveness and biodegradability.
• These nanocarriers show potential for smart anticancer drug delivery due to improved therapeutic efficacy and safety.