Delivery of proapoptotic biomolecules and drugs using amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticles for anti-cancer therapy

Abstract

Nano-sized particles formed from amphiphilic block copolymers have shown great advantages as delivery agents for anti-cancer therapy, such as improving localization in tumor tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect from the hyperpermeable angiogenic vasculature surrounding tumors. Self-assembled cationic polymer nanoparticles with well-defined core/shell structure are promising carriers for synergistic codelivery of small molecule drugs and nucleic acids/proteins against cancer. These particles can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs in the core and bind to biomolecules such as nucleic acids or proteins on the shell. In this study, cationic core/shell nanoparticles self-assembled from a biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer poly{N-methyldietheneamine sebacate)-co-[(cholesteryl oxocarbonylamido ethyl) methyl bis(ethylene) ammonium bromide] sebacate}P(MDS-co-CES) have been fabricated and used for the codelivery of various hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs and therapeutic proteins for improved cancer therapy. Treatment with the codelivery system successfully demonstrates synergistic anti-cancer activities and deters long-term proliferation of the cancer cells with limited toxicity in non-cancerous cells.