Dual-sensitive and folate-conjugated mixed polymeric micelles for controlled and targeted drug delivery

Wen Chung Wu, Chi Ming Huang, Po Wen Liao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For this study, we prepared a new type of drug carrier with the characteristics of stimuli-responsive transition and tumor-specific recognition through the co-assembly of two series of amphiphilic block copolymers, poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly[triethylene glycol methacrylate-co-N- methacryloyl caproic acid] and poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly[triethylene glycol methacrylate-co-N-(2-(methacrylamido)ethyl) folatic amide]. The pH-dependent thermal transition and the content of the targeting ligands of the mixed polymeric micelles are well correlated with the chemical structures and compositions of these two copolymers. Doxorubicin-loaded mixed polymeric micelles are stable at body temperature in the neutral condition for prolonged circulation in blood vessels, and demonstrated rapid drug release at acidic pH levels. The cumulative drug release profiles showed a relatively slow release at pH 7.4, and a quick release of 85% in 3 h at pH 5.3. The cytotoxicity tests against FA-positive (HeLa) and FA-negative (HT-29) tumor cell lines suggest that this mixed polymeric micelle system has potential merits as a controlled and targeted drug delivery system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)82-90
Number of pages9
JournalReactive and Functional Polymers
Volume81
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Aug

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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