pH-responsive and CD44-targeting polymer micelles based on CD44p-conjugated amphiphilic block copolymer PEG-b-HES-b-PLA for delivery of emodin to breast cancer cells

Herein, an amphiphilic block copolymer CD44-targeting peptide-conjugated polyethylene glycol-block-hydroxyethyl starch-block-poly (L-lactic acid) (CD44p-conjugated PEG-b-HES-b-PLA) are synthesized, which could self-assemble into the pH-responsive and CD44-targeting polymer micelles against breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. Emodin (Emo) is a natural anthraquino with pharmacological activities in anti-tumor effects. However, Emo suffers from poor water solubility, low biocompatibility, rapid systemic elimination, and off-target side effects, resulting in unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have proven great potential for cancer chemotherapy. The constructed polymeric micelles Emo@CD44p-PM have exhibited an average size of 154.5 ± 0.9 nm characterized by DLS and TEM. Further, the Emo@CD44p-PM have effective Emo-loading capacity, good thermal stability, and pH responsiveness. Intracellular uptake study shows the enhanced cellular internalization of Emo@CD44p-PM due to the increased exposure of CD44p enhances the cellular internalization of Emo@CD44p-PM effectively. Furthermore, the in vitro results showed Emo@CD44p-PM has been observed good biocompatibility and anti-tumor effects. Therefore, the polymeric micelles Emo@CD44p-PM provide a promising delivery strategy of targeted therapy for breast cancer.