Multiple stimulus-response berberine plus baicalin micelles with particle size-charge-release triple variable properties for breast cancer therapy

ObjectiveThe aim was to develop a nanoscale drug delivery system with enzyme responsive and acid sensitive particle size and intelligent degradation aiming to research the inhibitory effect on breast cancer.SignificanceThe delivery system addressed the problems of tissue targeting, cellular internalization, and slow drug release at the target site, which could improve the efficiency of drug delivery and provide a feasible therapeutic approach for breast cancer.MethodsThe acid sensitive functional material DSPE-PEG(2000)-dyn-PEG-R9 was synthesized by Michael addition reaction. Then, the berberine plus baicalin intelligent micelles were prepared by thin-film hydration. Subsequently, we characterized the physical and chemical properties of berberine plus baicalin intelligent micelles, evaluated its anti-tumor effects in vivo and in vitro.ResultsThe target molecule was successfully synthesized, and the intelligent micelles showed excellent chemical and physical properties, delayed drug release and high encapsulation efficiency. In vitro and in vivo experiments also confirmed that the intelligent micelles could effectively target tumor sites, penetrate tumor tissues, enrich in tumor cells, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, inhibit tumor cell invasion and migration, and induce tumor cell apoptosis.ConclusionBerberine plus baicalin intelligent micelles have excellent anti-tumor effects and no toxicity to normal tissues, which provides a new potential drug delivery strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.