Recent developments in selenium-containing polymeric micelles: prospective stimuli, drug-release behaviors, and intrinsic anticancer activity

J Mater Chem B. 2021 Sep 14;9(34):6770-6801. doi: 10.1039/d1tb01253c. Epub 2021 Aug 5.

Abstract

Selenium is capable of forming a dynamic covalent bond with itself and other elements and can undergo metathesis and regeneration reactions under optimum conditions. Its dynamic nature endows selenium-containing polymers with striking sensitivity towards some environmental alterations. In the past decade, several selenium-containing polymers were synthesized and used for the preparation of oxidation-, reduction-, and radiation-responsive nanocarriers. Recently, thioredoxin reductase, sonication, and osmotic pressure triggered the cleavage of Se-Se bonds and swelling or disassembly of nanostructures. Moreover, some selenium-containing nanocarriers form oxidation products such as seleninic acids and acrylates with inherent anticancer activities. Thus, selenium-containing polymers hold promise for the fabrication of ultrasensitive and multifunctional nanocarriers of radiotherapeutic, chemotherapeutic, and immunotherapeutic significance. Herein, we discuss the most recent developments in selenium-containing polymeric micelles in light of their architecture, multiple stimuli-responsive properties, emerging immunomodulatory activities, and future perspectives in the delivery and controlled release of anticancer agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacology
  • Drug Development*
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / chemical synthesis
  • Immunologic Factors / chemistry
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Materials Testing
  • Micelles
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Selenium / chemistry
  • Selenium / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Drug Carriers
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Selenium