Stimuli-responsive polymersomes have emerged as smart drug delivery systems for programmed release of highly cytotoxic anticancer agents such as doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox·HCl). Recently, a biodegradable redox-responsive triblock copolymer (mPEG-PDH-mPEG) was synthesized with a central hydrophobic block containing disulfide linkages and two hydrophilic segments of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Taking advantage of the self-assembly of this amphiphilic copolymer in aqueous solution, in the present investigation we introduce a solvent-exchange method that simultaneously achieves polymersome formation and drug loading in phosphate buffer saline (10 mM, pH 7.4). Blank and drug-loaded polymersomes (5 and 10 wt.% feeding ratios) were prepared and characterized for morphology, particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency and drug release behavior. Spherical vesicles of uniform size (120-190 nm) and negative zeta potentials were obtained. Dox·HCl was encapsulated into polymersomes with a remarkably high efficiency (up to 98 wt.%). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a prolonged and diffusion-driven release at physiological conditions (~34% after 48 h). Cleavage of the disulfide bonds in the presence of 50 mM glutathione (GSH) enhanced drug release (~77%) due to the contribution of the erosion mechanism. Therefore, the designed polymersomes are promising candidates for selective drug release in the reductive environment of cancer cells.
Keywords: doxorubicin hydrochloride; drug release kinetics; polymersome; redox-responsive; smart drug delivery systems; triblock copolymer mPEG–PDH–mPEG.