Polymeric mixed micelles with triple stimuli-responsive characteristics and förster resonance energy transfer phenomenon for drug delivery system of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy

This article presents a groundbreaking approach to drug delivery systems, focusing on the development of polymeric mixed micelles with triple stimuli-responsive characteristics and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) capabilities. The micelles are designed to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapy drug, and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy. The micelles are engineered to respond to environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, and redox conditions, ensuring targeted and controlled drug release. The integration of FRET allows for real-time monitoring of drug release and cellular internalization, providing a dynamic view of the therapeutic process. The article details the synthesis and characterization of the amphiphilic polymers used to form the micelles, highlighting the use of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and post-functionalization techniques. Experimental results demonstrate the micelles' ability to achieve high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, as well as their stability in physiological conditions. In vitro studies show the micelles' effectiveness in delivering DOX and PpIX to cancer cells, enhancing therapeutic efficacy through the synergistic effects of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. The article concludes with a discussion on the potential of these polymeric mixed micelles for advanced cancer treatment, emphasizing their versatility and precision in drug delivery.