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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
Published on: December 23, 2016
Glutathione-Responsive Supramolecular Micelles Based on β-Cyclodextrin Construction: Combining Photodynamic Therapy
Chao Zhou1, Shuqing Zhang1, Yamin Li1
1Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Anticancer drugs often suffer from poor water solubility, low utilization rates, and high side effects, which significantly impact cancer treatment. This study aims to design and develop a multi-therapy intelligent drug delivery system that can address these issues and improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment by combining chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
Methods:
An amphiphilic supramolecular, TPPC6-SS-CD, based on β-cyclodextrin and porphyrin derivatives, was synthesized. The compound self-assembles into micelles in aqueous solution, demonstrating glutathione-responsive properties.
Results:
The micelles were successfully cleaved by glutathione, enabling the release of etoposide and porphyrin. This release resulted in combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, inducing tumor cell death. Under 425 nm irradiation, the micelles loaded with etoposide showed better tumor cell growth inhibition compared to the free etoposide and porphyrin.
Conclusion:
This study presents a new type of supramolecular nanocarriers designed for the combined delivery of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. The findings demonstrate the potential of this system for tumor treatment, offering valuable insights for the development of drug delivery vectors in biological, chemical, and photodynamic industries.
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