Sensitive complex micelles based on host-guest recognition from chitosan-graft-β-cyclodextrin for drug release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Controlled drug release is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
• Developing stimuli-responsive nanocarriers enhances drug targeting and reduces side effects.
• Host-guest complexation offers a promising strategy for nanostructure formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop pH-sensitive complex micelles for controlled anticancer drug delivery.
• To utilize host-guest recognition between chitosan-graft-β-cyclodextrin and benzimidazole-terminated poly(ε-caprolactone).
• To investigate the loading and release characteristics of doxorubicin (DOX) from the developed micelles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of complex micelles using FTIR, XRD, TEM, and laser particle analysis.
• Loading of doxorubicin (DOX) into the complex micelles.
• In vitro drug release studies at different pH values and temperatures.

Main Results:

• Complex micelles with a size of approximately 200nm were successfully formed, featuring a BM-PCL/β-CD core and a chitosan shell.
• High encapsulation efficiency of DOX (up to 75%) was achieved through hydrophobic interactions.
• DOX release was suppressed at neutral pH but accelerated under acidic conditions and elevated temperatures, demonstrating pH-sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• pH-sensitive complex micelles based on CS-g-CD and BM-PCL are effective nanocarriers for doxorubicin.
• The developed micelles exhibit controlled release properties triggered by acidic pH, suitable for anticancer drug delivery.
• These intelligent nanocarriers show significant potential for enhancing anticancer therapy through targeted drug delivery.