Redox-responsive, core-cross-linked micelles capable of on-demand, concurrent drug release and structure disassembly

We developed camptothecin (CPT)-conjugated, core-cross-linked (CCL) micelles that are subject to redox-responsive cleavage of the built-in disulfide bonds, resulting in disruption of the micellar structure and rapid release of CPT. CCL micelles were prepared via coprecipitation of disulfide-containing CPT-poly(tyrosine(alkynyl)-OCA) conjugate and monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tyrosine(alkynyl)-OCA), followed by cross-linking of the micellar core via azide-alkyne click chemistry. CCL micelles exhibited excellent stability under physiological conditions, while they underwent rapid dissociation in reduction circumstance, resulting in burst release of CPT. These redox-responsive CCL micelles showed enhanced cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells in vitro.