Stimuli-responsive smart nanoparticles with well-defined random and triblock terpolymers for controlled release of an anticancer drug

Stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms have shown great potential especially in efficient drug release systems. The rate of the anticancer drug release, adverse side effects, and toxicity can be controlled by designing nanoplatforms. Herein, mesoporous hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were prepared. Fluorescent and pH-responsive biocompatible well-defined polymer chains were covalently attached by one step and sequential surface-initiated ATRP. The diameter of HAp increased from 120 to 147 and 158 nm with copolymerization. Polyethyleneglycol, poly(dimethylamino)propyl methacrylamide), and poly(fluorescent methacrylate) chains enhanced stimuli responsiveness of drug delivery. The drug release of the DOX@HAp/terpolymer nanoparticles was low under physiological conditions (pH 7.4). However, the release rate of DOX increased when pH was decreased to 5.5. The results of cytotoxicity indicated that the DOX-loaded HAp/terpolymer nanoparticles exhibited high biocompatibility and also caused apoptosis of cancer cells.

Automated summary

This study successfully prepared mesoporous HAp nanoparticles with fluorescent and pH-responsive properties, and controlled the release rate of anticancer drugs through the design of nanoplatforms. The DOX@HAp/terpolymer nanoparticles exhibited different drug release characteristics under different pH conditions, showing high biocompatibility and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells.