A pH-Sensitive Polymer for Cancer Targeting Prepared by One-Step Modulation of Functional Side Groups

Nanocarriers with pH-sensitive functionality are of great interest in the development of pH-dependent drug release compounds in acidic tumor microenvironments. A new polyelectrolyte block copolymer, poly[(benzyl-L-aspartate)-co-(N-(3-aminopropyl) imidazole-L-aspartamide)]-poly(ethylene glycol) (PABI-PEG), was prepared by one-step modulation to produce pH-sensitive nanocarriers. PABI-PEG formed a stable nanocarrier at pH values above 7.4 and was destabilized in acidic conditions (pH 6.5) through the protonation of the imidazole groups. Docetaxel loaded micelle (DLM) exhibited pH-dependent drug release through structural conversion due to the protonation of the imidazole groups on the PABI block. The critically low micelle concentration of PABI-PEG at physiological pH and the pH-dependent drug release would result to high stability and restrict drug loss during systemic circulation which may lower the toxicity of normal tissue to physiological pH. Additionally, the extracellular tumor pH (<7.0) and early endosomal pH (<6.5) environments triggered the disintegration of micelles, producing higher drug release compared to other normal tissues and blood (pH 7.4). Therefore, PABI-PEG may be a pHsensitive drug delivery method for cancer chemotherapy.