Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Stimuli-Sensitive Polymeric Micelles Formulations Enhance the Cytostatic Effect against the Leukemia Cells via “Aikido” Principle Realization

Version 1 : Received: 1 February 2024 / Approved: 2 February 2024 / Online: 2 February 2024 (14:08:44 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Zlotnikov, I.D.; Ezhov, A.A.; Dobryakova, N.V.; Kudryashova, E.V. Disulfide Cross-Linked Polymeric Redox-Responsive Nanocarrier Based on Heparin, Chitosan and Lipoic Acid Improved Drug Accumulation, Increased Cytotoxicity and Selectivity to Leukemia Cells by Tumor Targeting via “Aikido” Principle. Gels 2024, 10, 157. Zlotnikov, I.D.; Ezhov, A.A.; Dobryakova, N.V.; Kudryashova, E.V. Disulfide Cross-Linked Polymeric Redox-Responsive Nanocarrier Based on Heparin, Chitosan and Lipoic Acid Improved Drug Accumulation, Increased Cytotoxicity and Selectivity to Leukemia Cells by Tumor Targeting via “Aikido” Principle. Gels 2024, 10, 157.

Abstract

Currently, the most promising work seems to be aimed not so much at the development of new drugs, but rather at creating ways of targeted delivery of existing drugs. In this paper, we show that polymeric micelles based on chitosan, heparin grafted with lipoic and oleic acids residues demonstrate the potential for doxorubicin delivery to tumors due to pH-, glutathione-sensitivity. Smart delivery systems use the Aikido principle, i.e. they target tumor cells according to their features. Natural polysaccharides (heparin and chitosan) provide the pH sensitivity of micelles: the release of doxorubicin (Dox) is enhanced in a slightly acidic environment (model tumor microenvironment). Fatty acid residues are necessary for the formation of micelles and solubilization of cytostatics in a hydrophobic core. Lipoic acid residues formed a labile S-S cross-linking between polymer chains (the first method), and also covalently attached doxorubicin molecules through glutathione-sensitive S-S bridges (the second option) – determine Redox sensitivity of micelles to tumors. The characterization of polymeric micelles and prodrugs (Dox-polymer) was carried out using FTIR spectroscopy. The release of doxorubicin from micelles occurs slowly (20% / 6h) in an environment with a pH of 7.4 and the absence of glutathione, while in a slightly acidic environment and in the presence of 10 mM glutathione, the rate increases up 6 times, with an increase in the effective concentration up to 5 times after 7 h. The permeability of free doxorubicin, micellar formulations (covalent S-S crosslinked and not) into Raji, K562, A875 cancer cells was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), demonstrated an increase in the permeability of micellar formulations based on Dox. Thus, we have presented micellar formulations of doxorubicin for targeted delivery to tumor, what is important in the aspects of reducing non-target toxicity, increasing the selectivity of cytostatics against tumors and overcome multidrug resistance.

Keywords

glutathione sensitivity, tumor targeting, polymeric micelles, doxorubicin, non-target toxicity

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biology and Biotechnology

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