Synthesis of light and dual‐redox triple‐stimuli‐responsive core‐crosslinked micelles as nanocarriers for controlled release

Abstract

ABSTRACTStimulus‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles have great potential as nanocarriers. Here, triple‐stimuli‐responsive core‐crosslinked (CCL) micelles were developed that were convenient for drug delivery by taking advantage of dual‐redox and UV light synergistic triggers. Amphiphilic block copolymers methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(3‐azido‐2‐hydroxy‐propyl methacrylate‐co‐ο‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate) [mPEG‐b‐P(GMA‐N3‐co‐NBM)] were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization and ring‐opening reaction of ethylene oxide; these block copolymers can spontaneously self‐assemble into noncrosslinked (NCL) micelles. Afterward, CCL micelles were prepared using an alkyne‐functionalized crosslinking agent. Furthermore, the CCL micelles showed an excellent Nile Red dye molecule encapsulation, light and dual‐redox‐responsive performance, and increasing release rate of the dye as the concentration of glutathione and light irradiation increased. The triple‐stimuli‐responsive CCL micelles showed excellent stability and controllable release compared to NCL micelles. Therefore, we have developed a new smart nanocarrier, and the triple‐stimuli‐responsive CCL micelles could also be a potential delivery system in cancer therapy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47946.