Hyperbranched PEG-based supramolecular nanoparticles for acid-responsive targeted drug delivery

Biomater Sci. 2015 Jun;3(6):870-8. doi: 10.1039/c5bm00061k. Epub 2015 May 13.

Abstract

Herein, hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol)-based supramolecular nanoparticles with pH-sensitive properties were designed and used for targeted drug delivery. Via host-guest recognition between benzimidazole anchored poly(ethylene glycol)-hyperbranched polyglycerol (PEG-HPG-BM) and folic acid modified CD (FA-CD), targeted supramolecular nanoparticles (TSNs) were fabricated. At neutral aqueous conditions TSNs could load the model drug DOX. While under intracellular acidic conditions the loaded-drug would be released due to the protonation of BM. This protonation allowed the supramolecular nanoparticles to expand or even disassemble, which showes the pH-dependent property. The introduction of the active targeting FA molecule and the specific interactions with the receptor of HeLa cells means that DOX-loaded TSNs show a significantly improved anticancer efficacy. In vitro drug release assays and intracellular experiments confirmed that TSNs had an obvious pH-sensitive property and remarkably improved anticancer effects, which hold great potential for further biomedical applications such as anticancer drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / drug effects*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers
  • Water
  • Polyethylene Glycols