A novel reactive oxygen species triggered polymeric nanoplatform for controlled drug delivery and cancer therapy

In this study, DOX loaded TOS-PEG-TK-PLGA, a novel ROS-responsive copolymeric nanoplatform was designed and prepared,containing a ROS-cleavable TK linker. Alpha-Tocopherol succinate (TOS) was conjugated to elevate intracellular ROS levels to improve loaded drug release and excellent therapeutic efficacy. This novel nanoplatform shows high ROS responsive capacity, stability and excellent biocompatibility. Encapsulated with DOX, the nanoplatform presents a better drug carrier capacity and higher anticancer efficacy to oral cancer cells. Our study demonstrates that DOX loaded TOSPEG-TK-PLGA nanoparticles have lower toxicity to mice and remarkably enhanced antitumor efficacy. Therefore, this nanoplatform is deemed as a great potential in developing nanocarriers for oral cancer therapy.