초록 |
Although polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have been studied extensively as a drug carrier for cancer therapy, the phenomena of so-called 'burst release' that the encapsulated drug often released out before they reach targeted loci, prevents translation to clinical application. In this study, we hypothesize that the fabrication of a pH-responsive metal-phenolic network (MPN) can make the PNPs firmly hold the drug until they reach the tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To test this, we prepare MPN-coated PNPs, which contain doxorubicin (DOX) as a model anticancer drug. In the physiological condition (pH 7.4), MPN acted as a diffusion barrier holding DOX inside PNPs. However, the disassemble of MPN led to surface exposure of PNPs in the mildly acidic condition (pH 6.5) mimicking TMEs, resulting in enhanced cellular uptake and drug release. Therefore, MPN was found out to be an effective barrier for PNPs in a pH-responsive manner, implying their potential use in targeted cancer therapies. |