Tumor homing dextran and curcumin derived amphiphilic functional polymer self-assembling to tubustecan nanoarchitectures: A strategy of adorning the golden spice (curcumin) for taming the red devil (Dox)

Abstract

Functional amphiphilic polymers can be engineered to self-assemble into stimuli responsive nanostructures of varying morphologies. This work reports synthesis of enzyme and pH dual responsive, amphiphilic biogenic co-polymers constituting biocompatible materials dextran, curcumin and glycine. The hydrophobic unit in the amphiphile design plays a role in the shape attained by the nanoarchitecture. Employing curcumin as a hydrophobic unit generates tubustecan carriers whereas hydrophobic octylamine produced spherical vesicles. The nanoarchitectures were loaded with DOX.HCl and their performance as multi-stimuli responsive nanocarriers for causing tumor regression was assessed. The tubular nanocarriers demonstrated enhanced tumor regression as compared to their spherical counterparts in preclinical evaluations. It is noteworthy that the encapsulation of DOX.HCl in the nanoarchitectures reduced its acute cardiotoxicity. Thus this is an attempt to use the golden spice ingredient in a unique manner to tame the neoplastic red-devil doxorubicin by overcoming its poor therapeutic performance and acute toxicity.