Shell-sheddable micelles based on star-shaped poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-SS-poly(ethyl glycol) copolymer for intracellular drug release

We report on the preparation and drug delivery application of shell sheddable micelles based on disulfide-linked star-shaped copolymer of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(ethyl glycol) (6sPCL-SS-PEG). Interestingly, the micelles exhibit high stability normally and rapid destabilization under a reduction environment, eliciting GSH dependent cytotoxicity of drug-loaded formulations on tumor cells.