Thermo/pH dual-responsive micelles based on the host–guest interaction between benzimidazole-terminated graft copolymer and β-cyclodextrin-functionalized star block copolymer for smart drug delivery

Abstract

Novel temperature and pH dual-sensitive amphiphilic micelles were fabricated exploiting the host–guest interaction between benzimidazole-terminated PHEMA-g-(PCL-BM) and β-CD-star-PMAA-b-PNIPAM. The fabricated graft copolymer had a brush-like structure with star side chains. The micelles were utilized as dual-responsive nanocarriers and showed the LCST between 40 and 41 °C. The acidic pH promoted the dissociation of the PHEMA-g-(PCL-BM: β-CD-star-PMAA-b-PNIPAM) micelles. DOX.HCl was loaded into the core of the micelles during self-assembly in an aqueous solution with a high encapsulation efficacy (97.3%). The average size of the amphiphilic micelles was about 80 nm, suitable size for the enhanced permeability and retention effect in tumor vasculature. In an aqueous environment, these micelles exhibited very good self-assembly ability, low CMC value, rapid pH- and thermo-responsiveness, optimal drug loading capacity, and effective release of the drug. The biocompatibility was confirmed by the viability assessment of human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) through methyl tetrazolium assay. DOX-loaded micelles displayed excellent anti-cancer activity performance in comparison with free DOX. Graphical Abstract

Polymeric Membranes for Biomedical Applications

“…For example, through this method of functionalization, membranes sensitive to pH variation can be obtained only by grafting different functional groups or such polymers onto the surface of the membrane [ 135 ]. Surface modification by grafting can be achieved through several techniques, such as grafting through light [ 136 , 137 ], grating via thermal treatment [ 138 , 139 ], grafting polymerization through plasma irradiation [ 140 , 141 ], atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) surface initiated method [ 75 , 142 , 143 , 144 ], reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization [ 145 , 146 , 147 ] and redox reactions grafting [ 148 ].…”

Multifunctional nanoparticle for cancer therapy

“… 74 CDs are widely applied as delivery vectors for cancer therapy because of their hydrophilic properties and ability to form host‐guest structures with drugs. 75 , 76 , 77 Due to the multiple glucopyranoside units in the structure of CDs, the multifunctional design strategies based on CDs mainly modify the free hydroxyl groups by covalent coupling. 78 β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD) is a commonly used CD with seven glucopyranose units, while the free hydroxyl groups can be activated in carboxyl groups such as N, N′‐carbonyl diimidazole (CDI).…”

Self-Assembled Redox-Sensitive Polymeric Nanostructures Facilitate the Intracellular Delivery of Paclitaxel for Improved Breast Cancer Therapy

“…Different types of intelligent carriers that are sensitive to varying elements of tumor microenvironments have been developed over the past decade. Polymeric micelles responsive to environmental stimuli in the tumor microenvironment (such as changes in temperature, pH, light, redox potential, and magnetic field) were employed to transport an effective therapeutic payload. − Micelles containing redox-sensitive disulfide linkages have garnered a lot of interest for intracellular release of the payload, taking advantage of the higher glutathione present in malignant carcinoma. , In addition, there are several benefits of using drug–polymer conjugates to create redox-sensitive carriers over conventional polymeric nanosized carriers that include increased drug content, enhanced aqueous solubility, a longer half-life ( t 1/2 ) of the drug inside the body, and improved anticancer effects. − …”