Angiopep-2-Modified Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Based pH/Reduction Dual-Stimuli-Responsive Nanogels for Enhanced Targeting Glioblastoma

Biomacromolecules. 2021 Jul 12;22(7):2921-2934. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00314. Epub 2021 Jun 28.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal brain tumor with poor prognosis. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the effective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to GBM. Herein, we developed a pH/reduction-sensitive carboxymethyl chitosan nanogel (CMCSN) modified by targeting peptide angiopep-2 (ANG) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). The multifunctional nanogel (DOX-ANG-CMCSN) exhibited good pH and reduction sensitivity, ideal stability, and biocompatibility. Its hydrodynamic diameter was 190 nm, drug loading was 12.7%, and the cumulative release rate of 24 h was 82.3% under the simulated tumor microenvironment. More importantly, the modification of ANG significantly enhanced BBB penetration and tumor targeting ability both in vivo and in vitro. DOX-ANG-CMCSN achieved 2-3-fold higher uptake and an enhanced antitumor activity compared with nontargeted DOX-CMCSN. Therefore, the targeted nanogels with the pH/reduction dual-stimuli response may provide a promising platform for GBM-targeted chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chitosan*
  • Doxorubicin
  • Glioblastoma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nanogels
  • Peptides
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Angiopep-2
  • Nanogels
  • Peptides
  • Doxorubicin
  • Chitosan