Redox-sensitive nanoparticles from amphiphilic cholesterol-based block copolymers for enhanced tumor intracellular release of doxorubicin

A novel redox-sensitive cholesterol-based block copolymer (PC5MA-SS-PEO) is synthesized for cancer-cell specific delivery of an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX-encapsulated PC5MA-SS-PEO nanoparticles exhibit an accelerated drug release under a reductive condition and rapid nucleus accumulation of DOX. The nanoparticles mainly distribute in tumor tissues after an intravenous administration in mice.189