Endogenous Fe²⁺-triggered self-targeting nanomicelles for self-amplifying intracellular oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Artesunate (ASA) acts as an •O₂^- source through the breakdown of endoperoxide bridges catalyzed by Fe²⁺, yet its efficacy in ASA-based nanodrugs is limited by poor intracellular delivery.

Methods

ASA-hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates were formed from hydrophobic ASA and hydrophilic HA by an esterification reaction first, and then self-targeting nanomicelles (NM) were developed using the fact that the amphiphilic conjugates of ASA and HA are capable of self-assembling in aqueous environments.

Results

These ASA-HA NMs utilize CD44 receptor-mediated transcytosis to greatly enhance uptake by breast cancer cells. Subsequently, endogenous Fe²⁺ from the tumor catalyzes the released ASA to produce highly toxic •O₂^- radicals

SUBMITTER: Fan Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11871113 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature