PH- and H2O2-sensitive drug delivery system based on sodium xanthate: Dual-responsive supramolecular vesicles from one functional group

Abstract

Nano-drug delivery systems with multiple stimulus-responsive capabilities have superior response performance and efficient drug release. Nevertheless, it is sophisticated to construct multiple stimulus-responsive systems where the two or more functional groups need to be introduced simultaneously. Xanthate, one functional group with pH and H2O2 stimulus responsiveness, has significant potential applications for building dual-responsive drug delivery system. Herein, we present a novel dual stimuli-responsive supramolecular drug delivery system by using sodium xanthate derivative (SXD) as guest molecule and quaternary ammonium capped pillar[5]arene (QAP5) as host molecule through host-guest interaction on the basis of electrostatic interaction. The amphiphile QAP5⊃SXD could self-assemble into vesicles to efficiently load the anti-cancer drug DOX. The experimental results showed that QAP5⊃SXD nanoparticles could achieve efficient drug delivery and controlled release in the tumor microenvironment. Cytotoxicity experiments proved that DOX@QAP5⊃SXD nanoparticles could significantly improve the anticancer efficiency of free DOX on cancer cells. The present study provides an efficient strategy to develop supramolecular nanocarriers with dual-responsiveness in one functional group for controlled drug release.