Acid-Responsive Polymer Micelles for Targeted Delivery and Bioorthogonal Activation of Prodrug through Ru Catalyst in Tumor Cells

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Sep 9;25(9):5834-5846. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00489. Epub 2024 Aug 27.

Abstract

Bioorthogonal reactions present a promising strategy for minimizing off-target toxicity in cancer chemotherapy, yet a dependable nanoplatform is urgently required. Here, we have fabricated an acid-responsive polymer micelle for the specific delivery and activation of the prodrug within tumor cells through Ru catalyst-mediated bioorthogonal reactions. The decomposition of micelles, triggered by the cleavage of the hydrazone bond in the acidic lysosomal environment, facilitated the concurrent release of Alloc-DOX and the Ru catalyst within the cells. Subsequently, the uncaging process of Alloc-DOX was demonstrated to be induced by the high levels of glutathione within tumor cells. Notably, the limited glutathione inside normal cells prevented the conversion of Alloc-DOX into active DOX, thereby minimizing the toxicity toward normal cells. In tumor-bearing mice, this nanoplatform exhibited enhanced efficacy in tumor suppression while minimizing off-target toxicity. Our study provides an innovative approach for in situ drug activation that combines safety and effectiveness in cancer chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Doxorubicin* / chemistry
  • Doxorubicin* / pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Micelles*
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Prodrugs* / chemistry
  • Prodrugs* / pharmacology
  • Ruthenium* / chemistry

Substances

  • Prodrugs
  • Micelles
  • Doxorubicin
  • Ruthenium
  • Polymers