Tetrasulfide bond boosts the anti-tumor efficacy of dimeric prodrug nanoassemblies.

ABSTRACT: Dimeric prodrug nanoassemblies (DPNAs) stand out as promising strategies for improving the efficiency and safety of chemotherapeutic drugs. The success of trisulfide bonds (-SSS-) in DPNAs makes polysulfide bonds a worthwhile focus. Here, we explore the comprehensive role of tetrasulfide bonds (-SSSS-) in constructing superior DPNAs. Compared to trisulfide and disulfide bonds, tetrasulfide bonds endow DPNAs with superlative self-assembly stability, prolonged blood circulation, and high tumor accumulation. Notably, the ultra-high reduction responsivity of tetrasulfide bonds make DPNAs a highly selective "tumor bomb" that can be ignited by endogenous reducing agents in tumor cells. Furthermore, we present an "add fuel to the flames" strategy to intensify the reductive stress at tumor sites b

SUBMITTER: Zuo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10982979 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature