Reduction-Responsive Polyprodrug Nanoplatform Based on Curcumin for Tumor-Targeted Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Polymer prodrug nanoparticles offer high drug loading for cancer therapy.
• Limitations include poor drug release and lack of tumor targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• Prepare targeted, reduction-reactive polyprodrug nanocarriers for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (CUR).
• Investigate the anticancer activity and synergistic effects of these nanocarriers (DOX/HAPCS NPs).

Main Methods:

• Synthesized and characterized polymer nanocarriers.
• Determined drug loading and release kinetics of DOX and CUR.
• Evaluated in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects and synergistic activity.

Main Results:

• DOX/HAPCS NPs showed high drug loading (DOX 7.56%, CUR 34.75%) and stability.
• Over 90% of DOX and CUR released within 24 hours in the tumor environment.
• Enhanced cell and tumor inhibition compared to free DOX, with reduced side effects and synergistic anticancer effects.

Conclusions:

• DOX/HAPCS NPs demonstrate synergistic anticancer effects.
• High drug loading and proportional drug release capabilities.
• Promising polymer nanoparticle drug delivery system for cancer therapy.