Low molecular weight heparin-all-trans-retinoid acid conjugate as a drug carrier for combination cancer chemotherapy of paclitaxel and all-trans-retinoid acid

► Low molecular weight heparin-all-trans-retinoid acid (LHR) conjugate was developed. ► Studies showed that it was a safe material for intravenous administration. ► LHR conjugate could self-assemble to form nanoparticles for loading paclitaxel (PTX). ► PTX-loaded LHR nanoparticles displayed enhanced PTX-induced cytotoxicity and an extended circulation of PTX and ATRA.