Glutathione-Responsive Polymeric Micelles Formed by a Biodegradable Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer for Anticancer Drug Delivery and Controlled Release

This article presents a novel glutathione (GSH)-responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polycarbonate-b-poly-(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer that self-assembles into micellar nanoparticles and simutaneously carry hydrophobic anticancer drugs such as doxirubicin. These drug-loading micelles show glutathione-triggered decomposition that leads to controlled drug release and cytotoxicity to cancer cells. This polymeric drug-carrier system integrates features of facile synthesis, stimuli -responsive drug release, good biocompatibility, and relatively low toxicity of the dissociated segments, thus representing a promising anticancer drug carrier for potential clinical applications.