OCTN2-targeted and ROS-responsive hybrid polymeric micelles for oral delivery of docetaxel.

ABSTRACT: Our previous research identified that an oral mPEG-b-PCL polymeric micelle (PM) maintained satisfactory integrity but exhibited limited transcytosis efficiency. To enhance transcytosis and enable ROS-responsive release, we developed a series of hybrid PMs by blending a synthesized L-carnitine-grafted, thioketal-linked LC-PEG_5k-TK-PCL_7k polymer with mPEG_5k-PCL_7k. These hybrid PMs, similar in particle size (120 nm) and drug loading (10%) to the PM composed of pure mPEG_5k-PCL_7k (5-7E), retained good stability in SGF and SIF. However, the hybrid PM with a 40% LC-PEG_5k-TK-PCL_7k proportion showed reduced integrity and penetration in mucus layer. In Caco-2/E12 (7:3) cells, the hybrid PM with a 20% LC-PEG₅

SUBMITTER: Sun H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918599 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature