Reduction-sensitive dual functional nanomicelles for improved delivery of paclitaxel.

ABSTRACT: We have developed a dual-functional nanocarrier composed of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a hydrophobic farnesylthiosalicylate (FTS, a nontoxic Ras antagonist), which is effective in delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX). To facilitate the retention of the therapeutic activity of the carrier, FTS was coupled to PEG via a reduction-sensitive disulfide linkage (PEG5k-S-S-FTS2). PEG5k-S-S-FTS2 conjugate formed uniform micelles with very small size (∼30 nm) and the hydrophobic drug PTX could be readily incorporated into the micelles. Interestingly, inclusion of a disulfide linkage into the PEG5k-FTS2 micellar system resulted in a 4-fold decrease in the critical micelle concentration (CMC). In addition, the PTX loading capacity and colloidal stability of PTX-lo

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4166038 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature