Redox-Responsive Core-Cross-Linked Micelles Capable of On-Demand Concurrent Drug Release and Structure Disassembly

摘要

We developed camptothecin (CPT)-conjugated, core-cross-linked (CCL) micelles that are subject to redox-responsive cleavage of the built-in disulfide bonds, resulting in disruption of the micellar structure and rapid release of CPT. CCL micelles were prepared via co-precipitation of disulfide-containing CPT-poly(Tyrosine(alkynyl)-OCA) conjugate and monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(Tyrosine(alkynyl)-OCA), followed by cross-linking of the micellar core via azide–alkyne click chemistry. CCL micelles exhibited excellent stability under physiological conditions while underwent rapid dissociation in reduction circumstance, resulting in burst release of CPT. These redox-responsive CCL micelles showed enhanced cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells in vitro.