Multifunctional Mixed Micelles Cross-Assembled from Various Polyurethanes for Tumor Therapy

Biomacromolecules. 2016 Jun 13;17(6):2148-59. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b00375. Epub 2016 May 9.

Abstract

A challenge in the development of multifunctional drug delivery systems is to establish a reasonable and effective synthetic route for multifunctional polymer preparation. Herein, we propose a unique protocol to prepare multifunctional micelles by a cross-assembly process using three different functional polyurethanes incorporating acidic sensitive hydrazone, folic acid for active targeting, and gemini quaternary ammonium (GQA) as efficient cell uptake ligands, respectively. These multifunctional mixed micelles (GFHPMs) have been endowed tunable particle sizes and zeta potential and a unique three-order-layer cross-assemble structure. Their drug-loading contents have been significantly improved, and drug release profiles displayed controlled release of their payloads under acid condition. The folate and GQA ligands showed a synergistic effect to enhance the cell uptake. Biodistribution and antitumor effect of these micelles were systematically investigated in vivo, the mixed micelles could penetrate into the depths of tumors, and drug concentrations in tumors reached the maximum of 6.5% ID/g at 24 h, resulting in an excellent therapeutic effect that the volumes of tumors treated with GFHPM are five times smaller than those treated with blank micelles. Our present work provides an effective approach to the design of multifunctional nanocarriers for tumor-targeted and programmed intracellular drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Micelles
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Polymers / administration & dosage
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Polyurethanes