Magnetically Guided Self-Assembled Protein Micelles for Enhanced Delivery of Dasatinib to Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Magnetic nanocarriers are useful in targeted cancer therapy. Dasatinib (DAS)-loaded magnetic micelles were prepared for magnetically guided drug delivery. The magnetic nanoplatform is composed of hydrophobic oleic acid–coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) core along with DAS encapsulated in amphiphilic zein-lactoferrin self-assembled polymeric micelles. Transmission electron microscope analysis manifested formation of these magnetic micelles with a mean diameter of about 100 nm. In addition, drug-loaded magnetic micelles displayed a saturation magnetization of about 10.01 emu.g^?1 with a superparamagnetic property. They also showed good in vitro serum stability and hemocompatibility accompanied with a sustained release of DAS in acidic pH. More importantly, they exhibited 1.35-fold increase in their in vitro cytotoxicity against triple-negative human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) using an external magnetic field compared to drug-loaded magnetic micelles in the absence of a magnetic field. Enhanced inhibition of p-c-Src protein expression level and in vitro cellular migration under the effect of magnetic field was noted owing to the dual-targeting strategy offered by the presence of a magnetic sensitive core, as well as the active targeting property of lactoferrin corona. Taken all together, these results suggest that DAS-loaded magnetic micelles possess a great potential for targeted therapy of breast cancer.     

Polymeric micelles as nanocarriers for drug delivery

Polymeric micelles are built from amphiphilic polymers through self-assembly effects. Due to their unique core shell structure, small size and modifiable surface, polymeric micelles have been widely investigated as nanoscale drug delivery carriers. Such systems may increase drug solubility and have possible applications in tumour targeting and gene therapy. These biomedical applications require that polymeric micelles are biocompatible, have prolonged blood circulation and possess high drug-loading efficiency. In addition, tumour targeting and smart drug release behaviour need special modification towards micelles with multiplicate functional substances. This review focuses on the present progress of polymeric micelles and highlights some critical issues for their application in drug delivery systems. Composition and micellisation procedures are also briefly discussed.     

多西他赛pH敏感嵌段共聚物胶束的制备

本文在合成pH敏感两亲性嵌段共聚物聚(2-乙基-2-噁唑啉)-聚乳酸(PEOz-PDLLA)的基础上，采用薄膜分散法制备多西他赛pH敏感嵌段共聚物胶束，利用芘荧光探针技术测定胶束的临界胶束浓度(CMC)；通过高效液相色谱测定胶束的载药量及包封率；分别利用透射电镜、动态光散射法和zeta电位分析仪对胶束的形态、粒径和表面电位进行了表征；采用透析法考察了载药聚合物胶束的体外释放行为。结果表明，胶束的临界胶束浓度值为1.0×10^-3 g·L^-1；载药量可达15.0%，包封率为91.1%；胶束的粒度分布很窄，平均粒径为28.7nm；胶束粒子为圆球形且分散良好，其表面zeta电位值为(1.19±0.12)mV；在pH 7.4释放介质中，多西他赛胶束具有缓释作用；而在pH 5.0条件下，胶束释药明显加快，体现出PEOz-PDLLA胶束释药行为的pH敏感性。综合上述研究可见，PEOz-PDLLA嵌段共聚物胶束作为疏水性抗肿瘤药物的给药系统具有很好的应用前景。     

多功能聚合物胶束的最新研究进展

由两亲性聚合物形成的胶束是一种很有发展前景的纳米级药物载体。聚合物胶束作为药物载体具有许多优势,如载药能力强、粒径小、体内循环时间长、具有主动和被动靶向性等特点。聚合物胶束的最新研究主要集中在使其功能更加完善方面,即多功能聚合物胶束的研究。现按照多功能聚合物胶束到达目标部位后发挥效用的方式对其进行分类,并对其最新研究进展和应用进行综述。     

Physical Entrapment of Adriamycin in AB Block Copolymer Micelles

The entrapment of Adriamycin (ADR) in micelles composed of AB block copolymers (poly(ethylene oxide-co--benzyl L-aspartate) (PEO-PBLA)) was investigated. The loading process involved transfer of ADR and PEO-PBLA into an aqueous milieu from dimethyl-formamide (DMF) through a dialysis procedure. Evidence for the physical entrapment of ADR in the polymeric micelles was derived from fluorescence spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The total fluorescence intensity of ADR was low, suggesting that the drug was self-associated in the micelles. In addition, quenching experiments, using a water-soluble quencher (iodide (I^–)), showed that the fluorescence of ADR present in micellar solutions was largely unaffected by I^–, whereas the fluorescence of free ADR was readily quenched. From Stern-Volmer plots, quenching constants (K_SV) of 2.2 and 17 M^–l were determined for ADR in micellar solutions and free ADR, respectively. As a result of the entrapment of ADR in the micelles, ADR binds only slightly serum albumin as evidenced by GPC. In contrast, ADR readily binds serum albumin in aqueous solutions. The findings suggest that ADR is stably entrapped in PEO-PBLA micelles. ADR entrapment in polymeric micelles is expected to affect markedly the pharmacokinetics of ADR.     

Environmental-sensitive micelles based on poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(L-lactide) diblock copolymer for application in drug delivery

Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was physically loaded into the micelles prepared from poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(L-lactide) diblock copolymers (PEOz-PLLA). PEOz-PLLA consists of hydrophilic segment PEOz and hydrophobic segment PLLA showed pH-sensitivity in the aqueous solution. The DOX-loaded micelle exhibited a narrow size distribution with a mean diameter around 170 nm. The micellar structure can preserve hydrophobic drug DOX under the physiological condition (pH 7.4) and selectively release DOX by sensing the intracellular pH change in late endosomes and secondary lysosomes (pH 4-5). At 37 degrees C, the cumulated released rate of DOX from micelles was about 65% at pH 5.0 in the initial 24 h. Additionally, polymeric micelles had low cytotoxicity in human normal fibroblast HFW cells for 72 h by using MTT assay. Moreover, DOX-loaded micelles could slowly and efficiency decrease cell viability of non-small-cell lung carcinoma CL3 cells. Taken together, PEOz-b-PLLA diblock polymeric micelles may act as useful drug carriers for cancer therapy.     

In vitro controlled release of clove essential oil in self-assembly of amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-block-polycaprolactone

In this study, a micellar delivery system with an amphiphilic diblock copolymer of poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (?-caprolactone) was synthesised and used to incorporate hydrophobic clove essential oil (CEO). To determine an optimal delivery system, the effects of the copolymer’s hydrophobic block length and the CEO-loading content on the encapsulation of CEO were investigated. Percentages of entrapment efficiency (%EE), CEO loading (%CEO), and in vitro release profiles were determined. The size, size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of the obtained micelles were determined by DLS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The %EE, %CEO, and in vitro release profiles of CEO incorporated in micelles were analysed by HPLC. The study revealed a sustained release profile of CEO from CEO-loaded micelles. The results indicate the successful formulation of CEO-loaded PEG-b-PCL micelle nanoparticles. It is suggested that this micelle system has considerably potential applications in the sustained release of CEO in intravascular drug delivery.     

Amphiphilic polymeric micelles as the nanocarrier for peroral delivery of poorly soluble anticancer drugs

Introduction: Many amphiphilic copolymers have recently been synthesized as novel promising micellar carriers for the delivery of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs. Studies on the formulation and oral delivery of such micelles have demonstrated their efficacy in enhancing drug uptake and absorption, and exhibit prolonged circulation time in vitro and in vivo.

Areas covered: In this review, literature on hydrophobic modifications of several hydrophilic polymers, including polyethylene glycol, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, pluronic and tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, is summarized. Parameters influencing the properties of polymeric micelles for oral chemotherapy are discussed and strategies to overcome main barriers for polymeric micelles peroral absorption are proposed.

Expert opinion: During the design of polymeric micelles for peroral chemotherapy, selecting or synthesizing copolymers with good compatibility with the drug is an effective strategy to increase drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. Stability of the micelles can be improved in different ways. It is recommended to take permeability, mucoadhesion, sustained release, and P-glycoprotein inhibition into consideration during copolymer preparation or to consider adding some excipients in the formulation. Furthermore, both the copolymer structure and drug loading methods should be controlled in order to get micelles with appropriate particle size for better absorption.     

Local Delivery of Indomethacin to Arthritis-Bearing Rats through Polymeric Micelles Based on Amphiphilic Polyphosphazenes

Purpose Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of indomethacin-loaded polymeric micelles based on amphiphilic polyphosphazene. Methods Amphiphilic polyphosphazenes (PNIPAAm/EAB-PPPs) with poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and ethyl 4-aminobenzoate (EAB) as side groups were synthesized through thermal ring-opening polymerization and subsequent substitution reactions. Indomethacin (IND) loaded polymeric micelles based on PNIPAAm/EAB-PPPs were prepared by dialysis procedure. In vitro IND release kinetics was investigated in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.4), while in vivo pharmacokinetics was performed in Sprague–Dawley rats. In vivo pharmacodynamic study was carried out based on two animal models, i.e. carrageenan-induced acute paw edema and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced ankle arthritis model. Results Drug loading capacity of micelles based on this type of amphiphilic copolymers was mainly determined by copolymer composition and the chemical structure of drug. In addition to the compatibility between drug and micellar core, hydrogen bonding interaction between drug and hydrophilic corona may significantly influence drug loading as well. In vitro drug release in PBS suggested that there was no significant difference in release rate between micelles based on copolymers with various EAB content. Compared with the rats administered with free IND aqueous solution, IND concentration in rats’ plasma showed a prolonged maintenance in experimental group treated with IND-loaded polymeric micelles. In vivo pharmacodynamic study indicated that sustained therapeutic efficacy could be achieved through topical injection of the aqueous solution of IND-loaded micelles. Local delivery of IND can avoid the severe gastrointestinal stimulation, which was frequently associated with oral administration as evidenced by ulceration evaluation. Conclusions The promising results of current preliminary study suggest that this type of amphiphilic copolymers could be used as injectable drug carriers for hydrophobic drugs.     

Engineering Polysaccharide-Based Polymeric Micelles to Enhance Permeability of Cyclosporin A Across Caco-2 Cells

No HeadingPurpose. To assess and compare the effectiveness of two types of polysaccharide-based micelles as delivery vehicles for poorly water soluble drugs by monitoring their permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers.Methods. Dextran (DEX) and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) were hydrophobically modified (HM) by grafting polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (POE-C₁₆, 15 mol% and 5.4 mol%, respectively). The onset of micellization and mean diameter of polymeric micelles formed by HM-DEX and HM-HPC were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering, respectively. Cyclosporin A (CsA)-loaded polymeric micelles were prepared by a dialysis procedure, and the amount of incorporated CsA was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The stability of micelles in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids was studied as a function of contact time, and their cytotoxicity toward Caco-2 cells was evaluated using the MTT colorimetric assay. The bidirectional transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers of CsA entrapped in HM-DEX and HM-HPC micelles and of the polymers themselves was evaluated in the presence and absence of P-glycoprotein inhibitor.Results. The amount of CsA incorporated in HM-HPC and HM-DEX micelles reached 5.5 and 8.5% w/w, respectively (entrapment efficiency of 22% or more). The polymeric micelles exhibited high stability in gastric and intestinal fluids and no significant cytotoxicity toward Caco-2 cells. The apical to basal permeability of CsA across Caco-2 cells increased significantly when loaded in polymeric micelles compared to free CsA.Conclusions. Polysaccharide-based polymeric micelles are promising carriers for the oral delivery of poorly water soluble drugs. In vitro tests indicate that, overall, HM-HPC micelles are more effective compared to HM-DEX micelles.     

Polymeric micelles with stimuli-triggering systems for advanced cancer drug targeting

Abstract

Since the 1990s, nanoscale drug carriers have played a pivotal role in cancer chemotherapy, acting through passive drug delivery mechanisms and subsequent pharmaceutical action at tumor tissues with reduction of adverse effects. Polymeric micelles, as supramolecular assemblies of amphiphilic polymers, have been considerably developed as promising drug carrier candidates, and a number of clinical studies of anticancer drug-loaded polymeric micelle carriers for cancer chemotherapy applications are now in progress. However, these systems still face several issues; at present, the simultaneous control of target-selective delivery and release of incorporated drugs remains difficult. To resolve these points, the introduction of stimuli-responsive mechanisms to drug carrier systems is believed to be a promising approach to provide better solutions for future tumor drug targeting strategies. As possible trigger signals, biological acidic pH, light, heating/cooling and ultrasound actively play significant roles in signal-triggering drug release and carrier interaction with target cells. This review article summarizes several molecular designs for stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles in response to variation of pH, light and temperature and discusses their potentials as next-generation tumor drug targeting systems.     

Novel Redox-Responsive Amphiphilic Copolymer Micelles for Drug Delivery: Synthesis and Characterization

A novel redox-responsive amphiphilic polymer was synthesized with bioreductive trimethyl-locked quinone propionic acid for a potential triggered drug delivery application. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize the redox-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer micelles containing pendant bioreductive quinone propionic acid (QPA) switches. The redox-responsive hydrophobic block (polyQPA), synthesized from QPA-serinol and adipoyl chloride, was end-capped with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) of molecular weight 750 (mPEG₇₅₀) to achieve a redox-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer, polyQPA-mPEG₇₅₀. PolyQPA-mPEG₇₅₀ was able to self-assemble as micelles to show a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.039% w/v (0.39 mg/ml, 0.107 mM) determined by a dye solubilization method using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The mean diameter of polymeric micelles was found to be 27.50 nm (PI = 0.064) by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, redox-triggered destabilization of the polymeric micelles was confirmed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and particle size measurements in a simulated redox state. PolyQPA-mPEG₇₅₀ underwent triggered reduction to shed pendant redox-responsive QPA groups and its polymeric micelles were swollen to be dissembled in the presence of a reducing agent, thereby enabling the release of loaded model drug, paclitaxel. The redox-responsive polyQPA-mPEG₇₅₀ polymer micelles would be useful as a drug delivery system allowing triggered drug release in an altered redox state such as tumor microenvironments with an altered redox potential and/or redox enzyme upregulation.KEY WORDS: amphiphilic polymer, micelle, redox-responsive polymer, targeted drug delivery, trimethyl-locked quinone propionic acid     

Fluorinated and pegylated polyaspartamide derivatives to increase solubility and efficacy of Flutamide

New fluorinated amphiphilic copolymers based on a biocompatible polyaspartamide have been prepared in order to obtain polymeric micelles useful for delivering anticancer drugs. In particular, α,β-poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-d,l-aspartamide (PHEA) has been derivatized with polyethylene glycol (PEG₂₀₀₀) and ethylendiamine (EDA). Both these portions form the hydrophilic part of the copolymer, while the hydrophobic moiety is given by 1,2,4-oxadiazoles: 5-pentafluorophenyl-3-perfluoroheptyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (PPOX) or 3-carboxyethyl-5-pentadecafluoroheptyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (CPOX). Copolymers named PHEA-PEG₂₀₀₀-EDA-PPOX and PHEA-PEG₂₀₀₀-EDA-CPOX have been prepared with various degrees of derivatization and characterized by spectroscopic analyses. Size exclusion chromatography, pyrene colorimetric assay, light scattering analysis and scanning electron microscopy have evidenced the occurrence of a self-association process in aqueous medium. The ability of these aggregates to incorporate a hydrophobic drug and increase its solubility has been evaluated by using Flutamide, a fluorinated anticancer agent. Moreover, the activity of Flutamide-loaded micelles on proliferation of dihydrotestosterone stimulated LNCaP cells has been determined and compared to that of free drug.     

紫杉醇自组装核壳型纳米胶束的制备与性能

本文合成了聚乙二醇-聚谷氨酸苄酯(polyethylene glycol-polybenzyl-L-glutamate， PEG-PBLG)两亲嵌段共聚物， 并采用超微透析法制备了紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG核壳型纳米胶束。通过高效液相色谱测定了胶束的载药量及药物包封率； 采用动态光散射法测定了胶束的粒径及分布； 通过体外试验研究了紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束的释药特性； 采用四噻唑蓝法考察了紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束的体外细胞毒性； 通过裸鼠的抑瘤试验评价了紫杉醇胶束对人肝癌细胞的疗效。结果表明， PEG-PBLG胶束能包埋疏水性药物紫杉醇； 紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束的粒径为80～265 nm， 且随着载体共聚物PBLG嵌段相对分子质量的升高而增大； 紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束的体外释放具有缓释特性； 当紫杉醇浓度大于20 μg·mL^-1时， 紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束的细胞毒性低于相应浓度的紫杉醇/聚氧乙烯蓖麻油注射剂(P<0.05)， 紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG胶束具有与紫杉醇/聚氧乙烯蓖麻油注射剂相似的抑制肿瘤作用。综上所述， 紫杉醇/PEG-PBLG纳米胶束具有较均匀的粒径及粒径分布、 缓释特性、 低毒和较好的抗肿瘤作用。     

Novel Polymeric Micelles Based on the Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-block-poly(D,L-lactide)

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to synthesize a new amphiphilic diblock copolymer of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and poly(D,L-lactide) (PVP-b-PDLLA) capable of self-assembling into polymeric micelles with multiple binding sites and high entrapment efficiency. Methods. The copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide initiated by potassium PVP hydroxylate. It was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. The ability of the copolymer to self-assemble was demonstrated by dynamic and static light scattering, spectrofluorimetry and ¹H-NMR. The hydrophobic model drug indomethacin was incorporated into the polymeric micelles by a dialysis procedure. Results. A series of amphiphilic diblock copolymers based on PVP-b-PDLLA were successfully synthesized. The critical association concentrations in water were low, always below 15 mg/L. Micellar size was generally bimodal with a predominant population between 40 and 100 nm. PVP-b-PDLLA micelles were successfully loaded with the poorly water-soluble drug indomethacin and demonstrated an entrapment efficiency higher than that observed with control poly(ethylene glycol)-b-PDLLA micelles. It was hypothesized that specific interactions with the hydrophilic outer shell could contribute to the increase in drug loading. Conclusion. PVP-b-PDLLA micelles appear to exhibit multiple binding sites and thus represent a promising strategy for the delivery of a variety of drugs.     

Adoption of polymeric micelles to enhance the oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen: formulation,in-vitro evaluation and in-vivo pharmacokinetic study in healthy human volunteers

Abstract

This work aimed to incorporate Dexibuprofen (DXI), the pharmacologically active and more potent form of ibuprofen, into polymeric micelles based tablets with enhanced oral bioavailability. Thin film hydration technique was employed to prepare DXI polymeric micelles using Pluronic® F127 and/or P123 solutions in different ratios (ranging from 1:1 up to 1:10). Prepared micelles were characterized regarding particle size, drug loading and entrapment efficiency. Selected formulae were lyophilized in presence of cryoprotectants and subjected to solid-state characterization as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, tablets were prepared and evaluated in-vitro regarding physical properties and drug release. An in-vivo pharmacokinetic study was performed in six healthy human volunteers in comparison to the commercially available tablet of DXI. Solid-state characterization proved that DXI was homogenously dispersed in Pluronic micelles’ matrices. Formula TF5 tablets comprising lyophilized micelles (F5; DXI: Pluronic F127 in 1:1 ratio and 0.25% mannitol) showed higher C_max and earlier t_max values than those of the commercial formula, where the relative bioavailability was calculated to be 160.15%. The experimental evidence in this research leads to the conclusion that polymeric micelles present enabling properties for oral delivery of drugs with low solubility.     

多西他赛Pluronic F127聚合物胶束的制备与表征

目的制备多西他赛(DTX)的F127聚合物胶束,对其药剂学特征进行评价。方法薄膜分散法制备胶束,并在单因素考察的基础上,以正交试验优化处方;透射电镜观察胶束形态;粒度分布测定仪测定其粒径、粒度分布;离心过滤法测定胶束的包封率和载药量;以DTX注射液作对照,采用动态膜透析法考察载药胶束的体外释药情况。结果薄膜分散法制备的胶束呈球形或类球形,平均粒径为(30.2±2.56)nm,平均包封率为(86.66±2.46)%,平均载药量为(0.42±0.01)%;体外释放实验结果表明该胶束具有一定的缓释能力。结论该胶束制备工艺简单,成型好,包封率高,具有一定的缓释能力。     

pH敏感释药两亲性壳聚糖共聚物胶束的制备及其性质考察

目的在合成了两亲性接枝共聚物丁酰基-羧甲基-壳聚糖(butyryl-carboxymethyl-chitosan,BR-CM-CS)的基础上,采用化学键合载药方式结合透析法制备了阿霉素pH敏感两亲性共聚物胶束并对其相关性质进行考察。方法利用芘荧光探针技术测定胶束的临界胶束浓度(CMC);通过透析法结合紫外分光光度法测定胶束的载药量及包封率;分别利用透射电镜(TEM)、扫描电镜(SEM)、动态光散射法(DLS)和zeta电位分析仪对胶束及其冷冻干燥产品的形态、粒径和表面电位进行了表征;采用透析法考察了载药聚合物胶束的体外释放行为。结果胶束的CMC值为1.0 mg.L-1,载药量可达12.5%,包封率为89.1%;胶束的粒度分布很窄,平均粒径为205.2 nm;胶束粒子为类球形且分散良好,其表面zeta电位值为25.94 mV;胶束释药行为体现pH敏感性。结论以壳聚糖为载体的化学腙键释药胶束作为抗肿瘤药物的传递系统具有可行性及良好的应用前景。     

Evaluation of doxorubicin-loaded pH-sensitive polymeric micelle release from tumor blood vessels and anticancer efficacy using a dorsal skin-fold window chamber model

Aim： To evaluation the doxorubicin （DOX）-loaded pH-sensitive polymeric micelle release from tumor blood vessels into tumor interstitium using an animal vessel visibility model, the so-called dorsal skin-fold window chamber model.
Methods： DOX-loaded pH-sensitive polyHis-b-PEG micelles and DOX-loaded pH-insensitive PLLA-b-PEG micelles were prepared. The uptake of the micelles by MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo was examined using flow cytometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the micelles were determined in SD rats after intravenous injection of a DOX dose （6 mg/kg）. The release of the micelles from tumor vasculature and the antitumor efficacy were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografted in nude mice using a dorsal skin-fold window chamber.
Results： The effective elimination half-life t1/2 of the pH-sensitive, pH-insensitive polymeric micelles and DOX-PBS in rats were 11.3 h, 9.4 h, and 2.1 h, respectively. Intravital microscopy in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografted in nude mice showed that the pH-sensitive polymeric micelles rapidly extravasated from the tumor blood vessels, and DOX carried by the pH-sensitive micelles was preferentially released at the tumor site as compared to the pH-insensitive polymeric micelles. Furthermore, the pH-sensitive polymeric micelles exhibited significant greater efficacy in inhibition of tumor growth in the nude mice.
Conclusion： When DOX is loaded into pH-sensitive polymeric micelles, the acidity in tumor interstitium causes the destabilization of the micelles and triggers drug release, resulting in high local concentrations within the tumor, thus more effectively inhibiting the tumor growth in vivo.