In this work, we developed a kind of novel nontoxic soft particle self-assembled by gemini surfactant (SDHC) and conjugated polymer (PMNT). The soft particle shows strong ability in incorporating into cell membrane, and alters the membrane permeability, especially under light irradiation. The anticancer activities of doxorubicin (DOX) were enhanced 6-9 times after cancer cells were treated with the soft particles under light irradiation. The cell viabilities of three kinds of cancer cells testify that this effect of the soft particles on chemotherapy is universal. This work provides a new strategy to enhance the anticancer activities of drugs.
Keywords: anticancer activity; cell membrane permeability; conjugated polymer; gemini surfactant; light irradiation.