Spontaneously formed redox- and pH-sensitive polymersomes by mPEG based cytocompatible random copolymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Stimuli-sensitive polymersomes are advanced drug delivery vehicles, superior to micelles in carrying both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances.
• pH and redox stimuli are crucial for targeted drug delivery, particularly in cancer chemotherapy.
• Existing drug delivery systems often lack dual responsiveness or biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel dual stimuli-sensitive polymersomes for enhanced drug delivery.
• To evaluate the self-assembly, encapsulation, and release characteristics of these polymersomes.
• To assess the biocompatibility and protein interaction of the developed polymersomes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of poly[(HEMA-DTDPA)x-co-mPEGy] copolymers with varying ratios.
• Characterization of polymersome formation using fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering, and electron/optical microscopy.
• Assessment of drug release kinetics under pH and redox stimuli, alongside in vitro toxicity and hemocompatibility studies.

Main Results:

• Copolymers spontaneously self-assembled into negatively charged polymersomes at pH 7.
• Polymersomes effectively encapsulated both hydrophobic and hydrophilic guests.
• Demonstrated pH- and redox-sensitive release of encapsulated cargo, indicating efficient cytoplasmic delivery potential. Polymers were non-toxic and hemocompatible.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized dual stimuli-sensitive polymersomes are cytocompatible and effective drug carriers.
• These polymersomes show significant potential for targeted drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy.
• The dual responsiveness and biocompatibility make them a promising platform for advanced therapeutic applications.